tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861Mon, 28 May 2018 01:10:06 +0000AndroidIndialaunchSamsungsmartphonesAppleGoogleNokiaMotorolaSonyannouncetechnology2.2 Froyo2.3 GingerbreadMicrosoftSpiceDesktop PCbuying guidefreehigh-endtabletApp ReviewRIMiOSreleaseMI 300Notebook PCPCdownloadfull reviewHTCSymbianbudgetdigital camerasonlineAndroid MarketBlackberryHDHVGALGSony EricssonThe Indian GeekWindows 8appscomputerreview2.1 EclairAssembledDSLRWindows Phone 7iPhone5 MP cameraEngadgetQVGATwitterUpdateiPadkeyboardsoftwarespecificationstouchscreenvideoAMDAirtelGovernmentNikonOS XUSAWi-FiWindowsbuyingcost effectiveentry levelphotographyCanonDTHMotorola Quench XT3OS upgradeOptimus OneTVUSBalternatebetacomparisonfeaturesgadgethackimpressionsinternetmousespeedwireless16 GB2011AircelBlackberry OSCESChromeDVRDeveloper PreviewFirefoxFlipkartFusionGalaxy Ace S5830Galaxy SHDMIHPHuawei IdeosIntelLogitechMi-310NASANetbookNokia N8Paid appsQWERTYSeries 60Sony Ericsson Xperia ArcSony Ericsson Xperia X8TRAITata SkyXperia Arcaccessoriesbatterybest listbrowsercarddSLR. camerafeature phonefutureguideiPod Touchmisnomermobile phonesmoneynewspoint-and-shootpreviewremotesavingsscreenshottrainweb browser4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich4G4K8 MP cameraAcerCPUChennaiDefyDellFWVGAFacebookGalaxy 3Galaxy TabGiveawayGmailGoogle Nexus SGoogle VoiceHasselbladIE 9JavaJelly BeanJust For FunLEDLinuxMK260MacBookMacBook AirMeeGoMetroMicromaxMozillaNDTVNexus SOS 7Our RecommendsOviPCI ExpressReliance MobileStar WarsTATA DocomoTV showsTablet STataTata IndicomTata Sky+TravelUsenetVizioVodafoneWVGAWindows 8 EnterpriseWindows 8 ProWindows PhoneWindows RTWireless Desktop 800XOLOYouTubeZacateaccountadd-onadvantagesautobankingbuscinemacostdevelopersdisplaye-booke-readereditoreditorialentertainmentenvironmentestimatefilmgamesgeekgraphicshands onhow toiPodimage editorinnovationlayoutlenslimitationsmanualmid-rangemobilemodernmonitormulti touchmusicnVidianetworknewnon-geekonline syncopen sourceoperatorspasswordpiracyprimerrecordresolutionsafetysearchsecurityservicesshuttersolartaxithemestipstweetunboxingunreleaseduserswishworld1 MW1080p11 inch128 GB13 inch2 MP3.2 Honeycomb3Banana3D Bloggie3D ultrawidescreen3G4 GB64 GB9 SeriesAMOLEDAPUATiAadhaarAakashAdamAdobe FlashAdvent CalendarAirtel Digital TVAirtel MoneyAmazonAndroid 4.3Android 4.4Android Developers BlogApp BazaarApp Inventor for AndroidApp StoreApp WorldApple iPhone 4Apple iPhone 4SAsha 200Asha 303Asia PacificAsusAthlonAtrixAxis BankB2100BBC World NewsBDBESTBSNLBelleBigFlixBillBingBinverseBlackBerry 9900Blue MarbleBobcatBollywoodBrazosBureau of Energy EfficiencyC5-03CAS latencyCDCDMACPU slotCSRCalcuttaCanadaCanvas Win W121Catch NotesChristmasClickCongressConsumer PreviewCore 2010Cory BookerCricketCromaCurrency ConverterCurve 9220D3200DNADPF-D810DROID 2 GlobalDSLDSLAMDVDData WindDazeInfoDeccan ChronicleDesireDesire CDesk ClockDish TVDreamscreen 400Droid BionicE 350E6EOS 1 D CEOS 1 D XEOS C500Eldar MurtazinEnduring ImpressionsEvil ShadowFAQFallen AngelsFinanceFinancial InclusionFlightFoursquareG slateGPSGPUGSMGakamaiGalatta CinemaGalaxy 5Galaxy FameGalaxy NoteGalaxy PocketGalaxy S IIGalaxy S LCD 4 GBGalaxy YGameloftGet DirectionsGmoteGoogle CheckoutGoogle EarthGoogle MapsGoogle PlayGoogle TVGoogle TranslateGreg WoodGujaratH4D-31HCLHP WebOSHRD MinistryHSPA+HTC One XHTC WildfireHollywoodHolmesHome ReplacementIEIE9INRISDISOImperial MarchIncredible SInfuse 4GInternet TelevisionJaipurJapanKamal HaasanKindleKindle 3Kindle 4Kindle DXKindle KeyboardKindle Keyboard 3GKindle TouchKitkatKnoLCDLG Optimus GT505LOLLatitudeLavaLayersLegoLetsbuyLocationLumia 520Lumia 630 dual SIMLuminolLunar and Planetary InstituteLynxME seriesMNPMOREMP3 playerMTS IndiaMaemoMars explorationMaslow's pyramidMehsanaMiMi-410Milestone XT800Ministry for Urban DevelopmentMiscellaneousMobile Irrigation SystemMobile Number PortabilityMobiniseMost Dangerous Writing AppMoto EMotorola CharmMotorola FlipoutMumbaiMy LocationNEX 5NME-ICTNWZ-E443Narendra ModiNational Common Mobility CardNavigationNettopNexus 4Notion InkOfficeOlive TelecomOlive TelecomeOliveSmart V-S300OlivepadOlympusOne XOnePlusOntarioOpenOffice.orgOperaOperating SystemOptimus BlackOptimus L3 IIOptimus L4 IIOvi app wizardPCIPDFPSUPacket LossPaintPalmPanasonicPandoraPhenomPhilipsPhocusPhotoshopPlaybookPower Supply UnitPuneR. 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KhandwaSaurav MisharaSeagateSeries 40Series 40 AshaShazamSherlockShoppingSkypeSlashgearSlidescreenSony Ericsson Xperia X10 MiniSony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini ProSony MobileSony Xperia SSpencer KellyStreak 7Sun DirectSwypeSymbian ^3SynapticsSynergyTEDATFTTV tunerTablet PCTamil Nadu Energy Development AgencyTechPPThe Indian Geek appThunderboltTilesTimes of IndiaTouch MouseTouchWizTripItTrisha KrishnanTweetDeckTwoFingerScrollUHDTVUKUSDUbislate7UnionUser GuideV7400VaioValentine'd DayVenueVenue ProVerizon WirelessVideoconVideocon V7500WU-1aWebonise LabsWestern DigitalWikitudeWin Q900sWindows MobileWindows Phone 8.1Windows StoreWireless Mobile AdapterWireless Mobile Adapter UtilityWireless signalWordWriterX2-01X6 16 GBX9X900XT5Xbox LiveXiaomiXoomXperia EXperia Neo LXperia Neo VXperia SXperia SolaXperia UYB seriesYuZenfone 4 A450CGZeppelin Liteabove 30kacronymadd onadvancesadvertisingadviceaestheticsair conditioneralarmalbert007all-in-oneantivirusapertureaspect ratioaudioaugmented realityavailabilitybacklightbandwidthbasicsbenchmarkbiasbillsblockblogbroadbandbundlecablecablescalculatorcallcall centrecallscampaigncanal-topcapacitycardscasecashcashlesschallengechannelscharitychartchassischatchinesechipsetchromatic aberrationclean energyclockcloud computingcommentcompaniescomposite imagecomputersconnectedconnectivityconsolecontactlesscontentcontent providerscontrast ratiocontrolconvictcopyrightcriminalcrisiscurrency conversioncustom ROMcustomisedatedefinitiondetectivedifferencesdigital forensicsdigital photo framedirect messagediscountdoodledual SIMdual displaydual modee-notebooke-textbookearthease of useeditionsefficiencyelectricityemulatorendureenergyengineersexclusiveexplainexposureextensionfacial reconstructionfactorsfarefestivalfile copyfilmsfingerprintfireworksfloppy drivesfocusfollowforceforensic entomologyforensicsform factorfragmentationgamertaggaminggenerationgenuineglobalglobal warmingglobe lightgluegreetingguest postguidelineshard drivehashtaghelphitholidayhome appliancehotspothubiPhone 4SiPhone 6iPhone 6 PlusiPhone 6SiPhone 6S PlusiPod ClassiciPod NanoiPod Shuffleillustrationimage noiseimage stabilizationinaugurateinputinstructionsintroduceintuitiveironyjitterjobslabel schemelandlinelaptoplawlegallightslistenlooking backlost. motherlyricsm-Indicatormagazinemarketingmediamedia packmega-pixelsmemomentionmeteringmissmistakemobile telecommobondmotherboardmoviesnetvertiblenew iPadnew yearnews feednorth bridgeofficialonboard videoonline tooloptical driveorgan barrelother websiteoutdatedoutsourceoverpricedpaidpapersparkingpartnershippasscodepaymentperipheralphilanthropyphishingphonephotographpicturespingpixlr.complanetary scienceplasmaplatformpolicypostpaidpowerpower parkprepaidpricesprocessorproductprofessionalprogrammingpromotionrankingratesrecyclereducereferencerefrigeratorrefurbishregistrationresearchersresidenceresponse timeretailerretweetrootrouteruggedrumoursalessatellitesciencescreen sizeseasonsensorserviceservice providerset top boxsettingssharesharingshopshortened wordssimulatorsitesizeslidersmart cardsocial networksoundsouth bridgespacespeakersspeculationstar ratingsstarsstockstoragestorestreamingstudentstylussub-10ksynchronisetabtagtamiltelecomtelephonetermstexttextbooktimelinetimestolltouchtrackpadtransporttsunamitwo step authenticationtypetypewritertypingunsolicitedventilationversionvideo callwalletwallpapersweb appweb interfacewidgetwildcardworld's firstworldwidewritingyester-yearzoomThe Indian GeekTechnology for Indians, by Indianshttp://www.theindiangeek.com/noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)Blogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-3216884021136510469Thu, 10 Mar 2016 06:51:00 +00002016-03-10T12:21:22.265+05:30forceMost Dangerous Writing Appnewtypingweb appwritingKeep typing, or kill everything you've typed so far<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-teSb5VBLasQ/VuEYGAQdtVI/AAAAAAAAAq8/PLcW7B4i7_c/s1600/2016-03-10%2BMostDangerousWritingApp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-teSb5VBLasQ/VuEYGAQdtVI/AAAAAAAAAq8/PLcW7B4i7_c/s400/2016-03-10%2BMostDangerousWritingApp.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Developer Manuel Ebert has released a web app titled, the Most Dangerous Writing App. Designed to basically <i>force</i>&nbsp;the user to write for a preset time duration - anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour - the app will delete everything you've typed so far, if you stop typing.<br /><br />We tried it out for a 5-minute duration, and we were able to type the following nonsense.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq">This is a test of the most dangerous writing app. Apparently, if I stop typing this, then all progress would be lost. How in the world am I supposed to figure out what to type so quickly?<a name='more'></a></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Basically, this app is trying to figuratively-literally SQUEEZE the writing out of you - in spurts of time durations, starting with 5 minutes as the entry-level tier.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">How does one even know what to type/write next? We humans don't THINK like that, do we? I'm not so sure. I don't think I can personally sustain this for longer periods of time, but if I make this a habit, then this must be a surefire way of getting written word from thought to paper. That sounds interesting.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">I would actually love to do this quite often since my biggest problem is actually sitting down to write - as I'm 'waiting for inspiration'. Now, there's no longer a need to wait for inspiration. I just need to sit and type, with the added fear of all my typed words being lost if I stop.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Be informed though - I have taken 2-3 brief pauses - to delete mistyped words, to think of what I'm going to say next, but all of those pauses were at best, 2-3 seconds in length. I'm not willing to test out longer pauses in this test, since I've already been typing for more than 4 minutes, and I don't want to 'kill' what I've typed so far.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Let me finish this five-minute typing duration, and we'll test the length of pauses we can take before the app deletes the written content, the next time around.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">What say ye to that? I say, "YES!"</blockquote></blockquote><br />What about you? Does it actually help you in your writing?<br /><br /><b>Source:</b> <a href="http://www.themostdangerouswritingapp.com/" target="_blank">The Most Dangerous Writing App</a><br /><b>Via:</b> <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/3/9/11186514/the-most-dangerous-writing-app-flowstate-clone" target="_blank">The Verge</a></div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2016/03/keep-typing-or-kill-everything-youve.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-8384225604208932949Mon, 14 Sep 2015 12:42:00 +00002015-09-14T18:12:00.456+05:30Androidbudgetbuyingbuying guideentry levelIndiaMiMotorolaOnePlussmartphonesSonyYuIn Search of Cheaper Phones : the State of the Android Smartphone Market in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ujn7IkNgjUY/VfLH3NyOcXI/AAAAAAAAAn4/XM9uQ0Z80SM/s1600/Mi%2BSmartphone%2Bline-up.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Xiaomi smartphones that have been sold in India" border="0" height="264" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ujn7IkNgjUY/VfLH3NyOcXI/AAAAAAAAAn4/XM9uQ0Z80SM/s640/Mi%2BSmartphone%2Bline-up.jpg" title="Xiaomi smartphones that have been sold in India" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">When Google launched Android with the <a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/t_mobile_g1-2533.php" target="_blank">T Mobile G1</a> in late 2008, the response in India was pretty mild. The biggest problem for adoption of the new smartphone Operating System in our price-conscious market was the high cost of devices. Testament to this was <a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_tattoo-2932.php" target="_blank">HTC launching the Tattoo</a> in mid-2010 as a budget phone - which cost more than ₹16,000 in India, at a time when the top Android flagships were priced between &nbsp;₹25,000 - 30,000. There just was no way Android was going to be adopted by the masses, with those prices.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Donut release of Android, version 1.6, changed that. With allowance for smaller screen sizes, etc. Android was now capable of going the budget route. By the end of 2010, we had decent phones from Spice, Videocon, LG and Samsung that were below or just about the price range of ₹10,000. From there, the rest was history.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Android is now found in most homes in India. At price points starting at around ₹3,000, Android phones scale all the way beyond ₹60,000 for the top phones from Samsung and LG. But herein lies another problem, one that isn't garnering enough concern - with every manufacturer trying to outbid each other on price, there has been a race to the bottom, or so to speak, which has lead to a rise in Android smartphones with great specs and barebones prices.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The question is : should you buy such a phone just for the specs?</span><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's take a look at our current popular choices in the Indian market today.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Mi and Yu and OnePlus</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OftM5Co74PI/VfLOrMUXy9I/AAAAAAAAAoE/beJLdXYVsCk/s1600/design-case-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Xiaomi Mi 3" border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OftM5Co74PI/VfLOrMUXy9I/AAAAAAAAAoE/beJLdXYVsCk/s320/design-case-01.jpg" title="Xiaomi Mi 3" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">2014 was the year that the Indian budget smartphone market just blew up. With Mi and OnePlus launching their flagships, Mi 3 and One, and Yu lurking on the horizon with its rumoured Yureka phone, Indian budget smartphones couldn't have looked better.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">With every launch, there was something better to be had, and something greater to drool at. If the Mi3 (from Xiaomi, known as Mi, in India) surprised everyone by launching at&nbsp;</span>₹14,000, the YU Yureka surely shocked Xiaomi themselves when it launched at ₹8,999 - with better specs than the Redmi Note 4G (Snapdragon 615 processor vs the Snapdragon 400 in the Redmi Note 4G; 16 GB built-in storage vs 8 GB built-in storage in the Redmi Note 4G) and a full ₹1,000 cheaper.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJjlYQMohjg/VfLQNOvwJRI/AAAAAAAAAoY/Y_Buul5cG94/s1600/one-sandstone-black-64.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="OnePlus One" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJjlYQMohjg/VfLQNOvwJRI/AAAAAAAAAoY/Y_Buul5cG94/s320/one-sandstone-black-64.png" title="OnePlus One" width="161" /></a></div>While this battle for the Android middle-ground was going on, OnePlus were pretty much ruling the budget flagship heap - with anyone who could get an invite, plonking down ₹22,000 for the One. There was just no way anyone was going to buy a Sony, HTC or a Motorola that cost a similar amount, with seemingly lesser features.<br /><br />Why would they?<br /><br />Yet, as people turned up in droves for the online flash sales, and these new companies started raking in the money, a couple of things became quite clear. The companies did not have the resources or the investments necessary for smooth after-sales services. The online world started to get crowded with plenty of people who were complaining of the service turnarounds, especially with the new service model adopted by YU (door pick-up), just as there were plenty of people who were happily singing the praises of their newly-purchased value-for-money products.<br /><br />The budget-friendly phone buying consumer in India was left with trying to roll the die of chance to gauge if their budget-friendly phone may require service, or if they should settle for lesser specs and a more well-known manufacturer.<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Micromax, Lava, Karbonn et al</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">While Mi and OnePlus were reaping their revenues, conventional Indian smartphone companies such as Micromax, Lava, Karbonn, etc. were left to watch by the sidelines (incidentally, this professional 'envy' is what prompted Micromax to launch YU - to combat Mi at their own game). Although they were never stellar companies with halo brand images, they <i>did </i>make cheap enough to be household names, and with decent-enough specs to enter the pocket of many a budget phone-buyer.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5uaQxFqF6s/VfLXjM1AROI/AAAAAAAAAoo/QYiV9Nwot3A/s1600/618201545642PM_635_micromax_canvas_sliver_5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Micromax Canvas Sliver 5" border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5uaQxFqF6s/VfLXjM1AROI/AAAAAAAAAoo/QYiV9Nwot3A/s320/618201545642PM_635_micromax_canvas_sliver_5.jpeg" title="Micromax Canvas Sliver 5" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not any more.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">These Indian manufacturers were caught between a budget-friendly brand image and products that seemed to be much costlier than the ones made by the new manufacturers on the block. In trying to compete in this competitive climate, they seem to have tried all possible things.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Large marketing budgets.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Attempts to release well-designed, mid-range phones.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing seemed to stem the onslaught that the newer entrants seemed to have unleashed on the Indian smartphone market and its pricing delicacies.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What about the big names - Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola, Sony?</b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5NntzcmBGw/VfLbVlTtFdI/AAAAAAAAAo0/lmSL0voQFXU/s1600/motorola-moto-g-press-render.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Motorola Moto G" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5NntzcmBGw/VfLbVlTtFdI/AAAAAAAAAo0/lmSL0voQFXU/s320/motorola-moto-g-press-render.jpg" title="Motorola Moto G" width="243" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The effect of these market factors was seen in the balance sheets reported by all the major smartphone manufacturers. Sony's slump turned into a much speedier downhill ride. Samsung started reporting lower-than-expected numbers, with sales declining, compared to the same quarter the previous year. HTC had already been plagued with low volume of sales, and this didn't help matters much. LG's launches received pretty lukewarm responses as well, with their smartphones failing to wow or impress most people.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The only manufacturer which was relatively unfazed by this onslaught was Motorola - mostly due to the fact that Google pared down Motorola's offerings to just 3 phones - the Moto X as a medium-high flagship, the Moto G as a mid-range offering and the Moto E as a budget-friendly option. With their phones considerably cheaper than offerings from Sony/Samsung/HTC (though still costlier than offerings from Mi/YU), Motorola were able to coast along comfortably on the stellar sales that they had already enjoyed in the first half of 2014, when they launched the first-gen Moto G and the first-gen Moto E.</span><br /><br /><b style="font-family: inherit;">Conclusion</b><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">While we know of several owners of Mi and OnePlus smartphones who have had no issues in their one year of ownership, we <i>do</i>&nbsp;know of others who've had some seriously disheartening issues. Low quality glass on the <a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_note_4g-6561.php" target="_blank">Redmi Note 4G</a>, for example, or serious service issues with the YU Yureka (since YU will only perform a pickup <i>replacement</i>&nbsp;of the phone, they keep you running around in circles via phone/email support to ensure that there are no software issues - getting you to troubleshoot the phone numerous times, in the process) and other niggling, imperfections that come with the territory of 'budget' phones from Xiaomi, YU and OnePlus.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">So our mantra currently is: if you're looking to change your Android smartphone every 6-12 months, then you'd do well to buy a budget smartphone from one of these newer entrants within the&nbsp;</span>₹5,000-15,000 range.<br /><br />If, on the other hand, you want<span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;a hassle-free experience of owning a quality smartphone, or if you would like to hang on to your phone for longer than a year, we'd suggest that you steer clear of the budget-friendly options and go for one of the top manufacturers like Sony, HTC or Motorola even (when we <i>did</i>&nbsp;have issues with a Moto G, their service was acceptable).</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">They do say you get what you pay for; hopefully, everyone in India planning to buy a budget Android smartphone knows that.</span></div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2015/09/in-search-of-cheaper-phones-state-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-7635750021895152563Fri, 11 Sep 2015 11:54:00 +00002015-09-11T17:37:57.252+05:30128 GB16 GB64 GBApplecostestimateIndiaINRiPhone 6SiPhone 6S PluslaunchUSDiPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus projected prices in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mMP4bVt5z8/VfK8sKGUTkI/AAAAAAAAAng/l3jMHEVj9-Y/s1600/iPhone6s-2Up-HeroFish-PR-PRINT.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0mMP4bVt5z8/VfK8sKGUTkI/AAAAAAAAAng/l3jMHEVj9-Y/s400/iPhone6s-2Up-HeroFish-PR-PRINT.tif" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2015/09/09Apple-Introduces-iPhone-6s-iPhone-6s-Plus.html" target="_blank">Apple announced the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus</a> on Wednesday, 9th September, 2015. As is the case every year, they're substantial enough upgrades to the existing iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />What many of us would be dying to know, though, would be the MRP sticker prices on these new iPhones in India. Don't worry - the Indian Geek has you covered. We've been tracking Apple prices for various products for few years now, and our estimates last year were pretty bang-on: we <a href="http://www.theindiangeek.com/2014/09/iphone-6-and-6-plus-in-india-official.html" target="_blank">projected that the just-announced iPhone 6 would cost Rs. 53,562</a>, and it ended up getting a sticker price of Rs. 53,500 (at launch). So, we're projecting prices for the iPhone 6S and the iPhone 6S Plus again. Check them out below.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35loTURkw48/VfK9zL7g-ZI/AAAAAAAAAno/YhR3k2qRxDU/s1600/iPhone6s-4Color-RedFish-PR-PRINT.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35loTURkw48/VfK9zL7g-ZI/AAAAAAAAAno/YhR3k2qRxDU/s400/iPhone6s-4Color-RedFish-PR-PRINT.tif" width="317" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">iPhone 6 and 6 Plus: Gold, Silver, Rose Gold and Space Grey</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The projected prices below have taken into account the following factors.</span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Current USD-INR exchange rates, compared to last year's rates</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Apple's markup for import duties and taxes, when selling iPhones in India</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Apple's penchant for rounding off the figures, and maintaing constant price difference between it's current-gen product line-up</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>iPhone 6S</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">&nbsp; 16 GB &nbsp; &nbsp; US$649 &nbsp; &nbsp; ₹59,500</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">&nbsp; 64 GB &nbsp; &nbsp; US$749 &nbsp; &nbsp; ₹69,000</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">128 GB &nbsp; &nbsp; US$849 &nbsp; &nbsp; ₹78,500</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /><b>iPhone 6S Plus</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">&nbsp; 16 GB &nbsp; &nbsp; US$749 &nbsp; &nbsp; ₹69,000</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">&nbsp; 64 GB &nbsp; &nbsp; US$849 &nbsp; &nbsp; ₹78,500</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">128 GB &nbsp; &nbsp; US$949 &nbsp; &nbsp; ₹88,000</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The launch date is yet to be confirmed, but if we're going by Apple's track record of iPhone launches in India in 2014 and 2013, then we'd say that mid- to late-October is a good guess for the launch date in India.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do let us know if you'll be picking up the iPhone 6S or the iPhone 6S Plus when they launch in India in the comments below.</span></div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2015/09/iphone-6s-and-iphone-6s-plus-projected.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-2241353404008199502Thu, 11 Sep 2014 10:49:00 +00002014-09-11T16:19:00.153+05:30AppledateestimateiPhoneiPhone 6iPhone 6 PluslaunchofficialpricesreleaseiPhone 6 and 6 Plus in India: Official release date and expected prices<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z8fs1cJCz4/VBFPuLnKMDI/AAAAAAAAAkY/qUTEHyNz3Q8/s1600/iPhone%2B6%2BResized_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z8fs1cJCz4/VBFPuLnKMDI/AAAAAAAAAkY/qUTEHyNz3Q8/s1600/iPhone%2B6%2BResized_edited.jpg" title="iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus" /></a></div><br />So, Apple announced the iPhone 6, the iPhone 6 Plus and the Apple Watch on 9th September, 2014 at California, in the US. For the Apple Watch, we'll have to wait till early 2015 in the US; definitely later than that in India. Apple has confirmed the Indian launch of the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus for 17th October, 2014 (See <a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_launching_the_iphone_6_and_6_plus_in_india_on_october_17-news-9602.php" target="_blank">screenshot grabbed by GSMArena from Apple's website</a>). We decided to put out some possible estimates on the expected cost of the two models, in their various storage configurations. <br /><br />We've taken the following into consideration:<br />- The launch prices of the iPhone 5S, 5C and the reduced-cost 8 GB iPhone 4S on 1st November 2013<br />- The full, off-contract prices of the iPhones<br />- US taxes, at 8.1%<br />- The exchange rate for INR vs USD at Rs. 62.21/$ on launch day of iPhone 5S (1st Nov 2013) and an estimated Rs. 60.999/$ for the iPhone 6 launch<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><script id="infogram_0_estimated-iphone-6-and-iphone-6-plus-costs-in-india" src="//e.infogr.am/js/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><div style="border-top: 1px solid #acacac; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><a href="https://infogr.am/estimated-iphone-6-and-iphone-6-plus-costs-in-india" style="color: #acacac; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Estimated iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus costs in India</a> | <a href="https://infogr.am/" style="color: #acacac; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Create Infographics</a></div></div>Also, Apple India has been more aggressive in recent times with their pricing - notably, with the iPad Air + iPad Mini with Retina display launch in December 2013, and with the 2014 MacBook Air launches. So these prices could vary greatly (think +/- Rs. 5,000), depending upon Apple India's strategy.<br /><br /><strong>More Details:</strong> <a href="http://www.apple.com/in/iphone-6/" target="_blank">iPhone 6 - Apple India Website</a><br /><strong><br /></strong></div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2014/09/iphone-6-and-6-plus-in-india-official.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-632167352406459095Tue, 09 Sep 2014 12:29:00 +00002014-09-09T17:59:13.324+05:30Canvas Win W121Lumia 630 dual SIMMicromaxNokiaWin Q900sWindows PhoneWindows Phone 8.1XOLOBest Windows Phone Below 10k (September 2014)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center"><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-maGWwReef2A/VA7wfWhvblI/AAAAAAAAAkE/6e5i56B2AVQ/s1600/Post%2BHeader_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Windows Phone under 10k" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-maGWwReef2A/VA7wfWhvblI/AAAAAAAAAkE/6e5i56B2AVQ/s1600/Post%2BHeader_edited.jpg" height="426" title="Best Windows Phone under 10k" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">In a follow-up to our <a href="http://www.theindiangeek.com/2014/08/best-android-phone-below-10k-august-2014.html">Best Android Phone Below 10k</a>, which we published last week, we thought we'd take a dip at an other end of the pool - the best <i>Windows Phone</i>&nbsp;within the same budget. There are not many options to choose from, but the main criterion we used to select the phones to put together this article is the version of Windows Phone. All Windows Phones considered for this title run Windows Phone 8.1. And so,&nbsp;<strong>The Indian Geek</strong>, brings to you, the <i>best</i>&nbsp;Windows Phone under Rs. 10,000.<br /><br />As usual, some pointers to keep in mind:<br /><br />* Since the smartphone market is evolving, the smartphones listed here would only be valid as the 'best Windows Phone under ₹ 10,000' for a limited time<br /><br />*&nbsp;<b>The Indian Geek</b>&nbsp;does not deal with the sale of any of these products.<br /><br />* Anyone reading this who has more to add or points to contest our picks, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below<br /><br />Now, without further ado, our pick for the best Windows Phone below ₹ 10,000 in India, as of August 2014&nbsp;awaits you past that 'Read more' link.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b>Micromax Canvas Win W121</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGCoSG6kLGc/VARO0EDyXmI/AAAAAAAAAjc/N9YfyCyoYd8/s1600/Micromax%2BCanvas%2BWin%2BW121%2B(small).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGCoSG6kLGc/VARO0EDyXmI/AAAAAAAAAjc/N9YfyCyoYd8/s1600/Micromax%2BCanvas%2BWin%2BW121%2B(small).png" /></a></div><i>Processor: Snapdragon 200, 1.2 Ghz processor (quad core)</i><br /><i>Storage: 8 GB ROM, 1 GB RAM</i><br /><div><i>Display : 5 inch, 720 x 1280 (720p HD)</i></div><div><i>Rear Camera: 8 MP photos (with flash)</i><br /><i>Operating System: Windows Phone 8.1</i></div><i>Dimensions: 137 x 69 x 9.9 mm</i><br /><br />Not being Micromax fans, it is with some misgivings that we award the <i>best</i>&nbsp;Windows Phone sticker on to the Micromax Canvas Win W121. With 10% more battery than the runner-up, the Canvas Win can last a bit longer than the competing offering from XOLO. And if you're comparing this to Nokia's own offerings, this will run circles around the Lumia phones within this budget - there's a better processor, more RAM and a better display resolution available here.<br /><br />Though not a <i>downside</i>, we'd love to see more manufacturers move to onscreen buttons. If there's one thing we could change about the Canvas Win, it would be to reduce the size of the display to increase the sharpness of the display, aka pixel density.<br /><br /><a href="http://micromaxinfo.com/canvaswin/" target="_blank">Micromax Canvas Win website</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/micromax_canvas_win_w121-6444.php" target="_blank">Specficiations at GSMArena</a><br /><br /><br /><b>Runner-Up: XOLO Win Q900s</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K57-2KRS4DQ/VARO65RBSUI/AAAAAAAAAjk/VjZxYiwV-DY/s1600/XOLO%2BWin%2BQ900s%2B(small).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K57-2KRS4DQ/VARO65RBSUI/AAAAAAAAAjk/VjZxYiwV-DY/s1600/XOLO%2BWin%2BQ900s%2B(small).png" /></a></div><i>Processor:&nbsp;</i><i>Snapdragon 200, 1.2 Ghz processor (quad core)</i><br /><i>Storage: 8 GB ROM, 1 GB RAM</i><br /><div><i>Display : 4.7 inch, 720x1280 (720p HD)</i></div><div><i>Rear Camera: 8 MP photos (with flash)</i><br /><i>Operating System: Windows Phone 8.1</i></div><i>Dimensions: 135.8 x 67.2 x 7.2 mm</i><br /><br />With a sharper display, an arguably better-looking design, and quad-band support, the XOLO Win Q900s could have easily been number one in this list. It lost out simply due to the fact that it has a slightly lesser battery capacity (by about 10%) . Although Flipkart lists the device as coming without FM radio in certain places, GSMArena seems to think that it has FM radio. We've checked the official XOLO website, and there is no mention of an FM radio present anywhere. If the Win Q900s lacks an FM radio, which the pack leader has, that does make a difference. Note to manufacturers: In India, if you want to make a mark with a smartphone, please do not remove the provision for an FM radio. While it may not be quintessential to the techie or the geek, the average smartphone user definitely spends a considerable amount of time listening to FM radio stations. The XOLO Win Q900s definitely is nearly an equal to the aforementioned Micromax Win W121.<br /><br />If there was one thing we could change in the XOLO Win Q900s, it would definitely be its battery; in today's age of smartphones, one can never have <i>too much</i>&nbsp;battery.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.xolo.in/Win-Q900s/" target="_blank">XOLO Win Q900s website</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/xolo_win_q900s-6476.php" target="_blank">Specifications at GSMArena</a><br /><br /><br /><b>Third Place: Nokia Lumia 630 Dual SIM</b><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K5troPvsOKQ/VARPAquQVAI/AAAAAAAAAjs/QMGrS4uFokw/s1600/Nokia%2BLumia%2B630%2BDual%2BSIM%2B(small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K5troPvsOKQ/VARPAquQVAI/AAAAAAAAAjs/QMGrS4uFokw/s1600/Nokia%2BLumia%2B630%2BDual%2BSIM%2B(small).jpg" /></a></div><i>Processor:&nbsp;</i><i>Snapdragon 400, 1.2 Ghz processor (quad core)</i><br /><i>Storage: 8 GB ROM, 512 MB RAM</i><br /><div><i>Display : 4.5 inch, 480 x 854 (FWVGA)</i></div><div><i>Rear Camera: 5 MP photos, 720p HD video (no flash)</i><br /><i>Operating System: Windows Phone 8.1</i></div><i>Dimensions: 129.5 x 66.7 x 9.2 mm</i><br /><br />Why is a Nokia-made Windows Phone, with a much better processor, sitting below devices from Micromax and XOLO? Two reasons - a stingy display and even stingier RAM. We can remember our last phones with 512 MB RAM and FWVGA displays from way back in 2012. The more-than-capable Snapdragon 400 should set the Windows Phone 8.1 Operating System on fire, considering that there are far less pixels for this phone to display. However, the 512 MB RAM is a definite hinderance, even for Windows Phone, which traditionally has required lesser RAM than Android smartphones. On the brighter side, though, this phone does have an excellent processor, good imaging capabilities (from its Nokia heritage) and the legendary Nokia build quality. We really can't bring ourselves to recommend this phone as an absolute must-buy, but if you <i>simply must</i>&nbsp;have a Windows Phone and you want a Nokia device, or if you just want a Nokia device under 10k, this is the one to buy. Oh, and did we mention that it comes in funky colours?<br /><br />If there is one thing we would change about this phone - it's a tough pick between a better display and more RAM, but the RAM is the first thing we'd change. Really, Nokia (read: Microsoft), 512 MB?!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nokia.com/in-en/phones/phone/lumia630-dual-sim/" target="_blank">Nokia Lumia 630 Dual SIM website</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_630_dual_sim-6255.php" target="_blank">Specifications at GSMArena</a><br /><br /></div></div></div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2014/09/best-windows-phone-below-10k-september.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-2837848233470532855Wed, 27 Aug 2014 16:19:00 +00002014-08-27T21:49:30.107+05:30AndroidAndroid 4.3Android 4.4Asusbest listbudgetJelly BeanKitkatMoto EMotorolaRedmi 1SsmartphonesXiaomiZenfone 4 A450CGBest Android Phone Below 10k (August 2014)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center"><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zh5kzHDxWW8/U_35G6O2G0I/AAAAAAAAAik/VyI7iiJLQUw/s1600/Best%2BAndroid%2Bbelow%2B10k%2Bheader%2B(resized)%2B(JPEG).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Android Phone below Rs. 10,000" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zh5kzHDxWW8/U_35G6O2G0I/AAAAAAAAAik/VyI7iiJLQUw/s1600/Best%2BAndroid%2Bbelow%2B10k%2Bheader%2B(resized)%2B(JPEG).jpg" title="Best Android Phone below Rs. 10,000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Consumers are price conscious - whether in India, or abroad. We want the most bang for the buck. The interesting deciding factor in a country like India is the purchasing power. The average consumer in India does not wish to spend too much on a smartphone - yet, we would like to get the most powerful smartphone that we can for the money we have. Despair not, for we at&nbsp;<strong>The Indian Geek</strong>, bring to you, the <i>best</i>&nbsp;Android smartphone under Rs. 10,000.<br /><br />Some pointers before we take you through our top picks:<br /><br />* We have not considered brands such as Micromax, Karbonn, Lava, etc.<br /><br />* Since the smartphone market is rapidly evolving, the smartphones listed here would only be valid as the 'best Android smartphone under ₹ 10,000' for a limited time<br /><br />*&nbsp;<b>The Indian Geek</b>&nbsp;does not deal with the sale of any of these products.<br /><br />* Anyone reading this who has more to add or points to contest our picks, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below<br /><br />Go ahead. Click the 'Read more' link below to see our pick for the best Android smartphone below ₹ 10,000 in India, as of August 2014.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b>Xiaomi Redmi 1S</b><br /><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l9NuTlz4fM0/U_37gwYlHVI/AAAAAAAAAiw/yLWR8vICPBM/s1600/Xiaomi%2BRedmi%2B1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l9NuTlz4fM0/U_37gwYlHVI/AAAAAAAAAiw/yLWR8vICPBM/s1600/Xiaomi%2BRedmi%2B1s.jpg" /></a></div>&nbsp;<i>Processor: Snapdragon 400, 1.6 Ghz processor (quad core)</i><br /><i>Storage: 8 GB ROM, 1 GB RAM</i><br /><div><i>Display : 4.7 inch, 720 x 1280 (720p HD)</i></div><div><i>Rear Camera: 8 MP photos, Full HD (1080p) video (with flash)</i><br /><i>Operating System: Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean)</i></div><i>Dimensions: 137 x 69 x 9.9 mm</i><br /><br />The Redmi 1S is the best Android phone under Rs. 10,000. Period. Whether it's the Snapdragon 400 processor, or the 1 GB RAM, or the 720p display with Glass, the Redmi 1S ticks all the checkboxes for a decent midrange phone (Let's not forget that the Moto G with almost the same specifications sold like hotcakes just 6 months ago at launch!). It's fast, it's got decent build quality, and basically has everything one could only dream of, south of Rs. 10,000.<br /><br />The only downside to the Redmi 1S is it's definite limited availability - right now, a Redmi 1S can only bought at 2 pm on 2nd September, at Flipkart. Considering how quickly its elder sibling, the Xiaomi Mi3 has been selling out (around 2.4 seconds to sell out of 20,000 phones!), we expect this cheaper, more cost-effective version to sell out even faster. Oh, and the Mi UI may be weird if you're already used to the concept of the App drawer in Android - but at this price, we doubt anyone would complain about the OS.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mi.com/in/redmi1s/" target="_blank">Xiaomi Redmi 1S website</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_hongmi_1s-6373.php" target="_blank">Specficiations at GSMArena</a><br /><br /><br /><b>Runner-Up: Asus Zenfone 4 (A450CG)</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6CHg-4Z2aY/U_37whbMpYI/AAAAAAAAAjI/AgXCCgWE9Tg/s1600/Asus%2BZenfone%2B4%2BA450CG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6CHg-4Z2aY/U_37whbMpYI/AAAAAAAAAjI/AgXCCgWE9Tg/s1600/Asus%2BZenfone%2B4%2BA450CG.jpg" /></a><i>Processor: Intel Atom Z2530 1.2 Ghz processor (dual core)</i><br /><i>Storage: 8 GB ROM, 1 GB RAM</i><br /><div><i>Display : 4.5 inch, 480x854 (FWVGA)</i></div><div><i>Rear Camera: 8 MP photos, Full HD (1080p) video (with flash)</i><br /><i>Operating System: Android 4.4 (Kitkat)</i></div><i>Dimensions: 136.8 x 67.9 x 11.3 mm</i><br /><br />The Zenfone 4 (A450CG) makes the cut for the second-best smartphone one can buy under 10k in August 2014. This is a recent entrant, having been announced after the slightly older, slightly cheaper, and smaller-screened Zenfone 4. The very capable Intel processor (makes it the only phone in this list that can shoot 1080p video!) coupled with a well-rounded specs and a competitive price point makes this a worthy buy.<br /><br />If there was one thing we could change in the Zenfone 4 (A450CG) line, it would be the display - FWVGA stretched out over 4.5 inches is not our idea of a smartphone to be sought after in 2014.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.asus.com/Phones/ZenFone_4_A450CG/" target="_blank">Asus Zenfone 4 (A450CG)</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/asus_zenfone_4_a450cg-6428.php" target="_blank">Specifications at GSMArena</a><br /><br /><br /><b>Third Place: Motorola Moto E</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqZeGnMrFLI/U_37o9UoJFI/AAAAAAAAAjA/cNkgltWGIGE/s1600/Moto%2BE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqZeGnMrFLI/U_37o9UoJFI/AAAAAAAAAjA/cNkgltWGIGE/s1600/Moto%2BE.jpeg" height="200" width="103" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lb9PXqoVDSw/Ug93gMWUD4I/AAAAAAAAAgA/L6xD5ItF8eM/s1600/Nokia+Lumia+520.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><i>Processor:&nbsp;</i><i>Snapdragon 200, 1.2 Ghz processor (dual core)</i><br /><i>Storage: 8 GB ROM, 1 GB RAM</i><br /><div><i>Display : 4.3 inch, 960 x 540 (qHD)</i></div><div><i>Rear Camera: 5 MP photos, 854x480 video (no flash)</i><br /><i>Operating System: Android 4.4 (Kitkat)</i></div><i>Dimensions: 124.8 x 64.8 x 12.3 mm</i><br /><br />With a lesser processor, lesser display and a lesser camera than the Xiaomi Redmi 1S, the Moto E doesn't seem to have anything going for it. Add to that the lack of a rear LED flash, the lack of a front-facing camera, and we're left wondering why we're even talking about this phone. The primary reason why this phone makes the cut to the third place as the best Android smartphone under 10k in India right now is because of its Motorola heritage, and the fact that the OS is not custom-flavoured; it's near Google Experience. In our own experience with the Moto G and the Moto E, this does make a significant difference to the performance capacity and capabilities of the phone.<br /><br />So for those of you who are unwilling to venture out into Xiaomi or Asus territory, the Moto E has got you covered. Even the not-so-high display resolution can be forgiven, but the one thing we certainly can't digest is the lack of a front-facing camera - that is the biggest downer for the Moto E.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.motorola.in/Moto-E/moto-e-in.html" target="_blank">Motorola Moto E website</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_e_dual_sim-6323.php" target="_blank">Specifications at GSMArena</a><br /><br /></div></div></div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2014/08/best-android-phone-below-10k-august-2014.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-8783525568954367575Sat, 17 Aug 2013 14:14:00 +00002013-08-18T13:41:42.137+05:30AndroidbudgetDesire Centry levelGalaxy FameHTCLGLumia 520NokiaOptimus L3 IIOptimus L4 IISamsungsmartphonesSonyWindows PhoneXperia EThe best smartphones below ₹ 10,000 in India (August 2013)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center"><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="Best smartphones below ₹ 10,000 (August 2013)" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9aUVHyKZsE/Ug0PRkbjDNI/AAAAAAAAAfg/cJT104wrQ_U/s1600/Best+smartphones+in+India+below+10k.png" title="Best smartphones below ₹ 10,000 (August 2013)" /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">The average consumer in India doesn't like to spend too much time in pondering over the decision to buy a phone. Once the budget has been set, the phone should be selected. Thanks to the rate of advancement in the smartphone space in the past few years, we are spoilt for choice. There are way too many smartphones out there - with different Operating Systems, with different feature sets and different design directions. Despair not, for we at&nbsp;<strong>The Indian Geek</strong>, have tried to distil the key smartphones from each manufacturer within a specific budget.<br /><br />Some pointers before we take you through our top picks:<br /><br />* We have only considered smartphones from manufacturers who sell their own phones (as opposed to several companies that sell re-badged phones made by Original Device Manufacturers - ODMs - in China or elsewhere). This means that we have considered (in alphabetical order): Apple, Blackberry, HTC, LG, Nokia, Samsung, Sony. Motorola did not make the cut as their sales operations in India have been ceased.<br /><br />* Since the smartphone market is constantly evolving, the smartphones listed here would only be valid as the 'best smartphones under ₹ 10,000' for a limited time<br /><br />* This is not a specs comparison. There are websites such as&nbsp;<a href="http://www.versus.com/en" target="_blank">Versus IO</a>&nbsp;that can do a much better job at comparing specs between multiple devices.<br /><br />*&nbsp;<b>The Indian Geek</b>&nbsp;does not deal with the sale of any of these products.<br /><br />* The listing of the smartphones is in alphabetical order of the manufacturers' names<br /><br />* Anyone reading this who has more to add or points to contest our picks, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below<br /><br />* The pros and cons of the smartphones from these manufacturers have been weighed against the other offerings within the selected budget range<br /><br />Now that we have dispensed with the formalities, click the 'Read more' link below to see our picks of the best smartphones below ₹ 10,000 in India, as of August 2013.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><b>HTC&nbsp;Desire C</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYo4E7tZRRk/Ug93gMx3nAI/AAAAAAAAAf4/Fx-TcQxl2pU/s1600/HTC+Desire+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rYo4E7tZRRk/Ug93gMx3nAI/AAAAAAAAAf4/Fx-TcQxl2pU/s1600/HTC+Desire+C.jpg" /></a></div><i>Processor: 600 Mhz processor</i><br /><i>Storage: 4 GB ROM, 512 MB RAM</i><br /><div><i>Display : 3.5 inch, 320 x 480</i></div><div><i>Rear Camera: 5 MP photos, VGA video</i><br /><i>Operating System: Android 4 (Ice-Cream Sandwich)</i></div><i>Dimensions: 107.2 x 60.6 x 12.3 mm</i><br /><br />The Desire C is one of the two phones in our picks here which does not have dual-SIM functionality. For us, that's not a dealbreaker; but for the average Indian smartphone buyer (in this budget), that could very well be a turn-off. The phone has decent construction, a 5 MP rear camera and HTC's strengths such as Beats Audio and Sense UI going for it. Sadly though, since this phone was released in 2012, it is stuck on Android 4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with a 600 Mhz processor.<br /><br />We definitely cannot recommend the HTC Desire C to anyone, although if you&nbsp;<i>must</i>&nbsp;own an HTC smartphone and your budget is below ₹ 10,000 then this is the smartphone to buy. Otherwise, we'd highly recommend that you either increase your budget by three or four thousand rupees, or look at other options in this list.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.htc.com/in/smartphones/htc-desire-c/" target="_blank">HTC Desire C website</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_desire_c-4759.php" target="_blank">Specficiations at GSMArena</a><br /><br /><br /><b>LG Optimus L4 II Dual</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pkvEIoPRbE/Ug9-AJ-ZruI/AAAAAAAAAgo/w4DmaLbuZOQ/s1600/LG+Optimus+L4+II+Dual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pkvEIoPRbE/Ug9-AJ-ZruI/AAAAAAAAAgo/w4DmaLbuZOQ/s1600/LG+Optimus+L4+II+Dual.jpg" /></a></div><i>Processor: 1 Ghz processor</i><br /><i>Storage: 4 GB ROM, 512 MB RAM</i><br /><div><i>Display : 3.8 inch, HVGA (320 x 480)</i></div><div><i>Rear Camera: 3.15 MP photos, VGA video</i><br /><i>Operating System: Android 4.1 (Jellybean)</i></div><i>Dimensions: 112.8 x 64.7 x 11.9 mm</i><br /><br />This large-screened entry-level smartphone from LG appears to tick all the necessary boxes for entry-level Android smartphones which run the Android 4.1 (Jellybean) Operating System. It's also the only smartphone we know of, which has a SIM-switch key right next to the usual capacitive buttons for navigation within Android.<br /><br />The Optimus L4 II has the distinction of being the only smartphone in this list which has a display (3.8 inch, 320 x 480 pixels) that we are not happy about. The lower priced Optimus L3 II is worse, with a 3.2 inch QVGA (240 x 320 pixels) display. It is definitely better than last year's E612 which had a 4 inch HVGA (320 x 240 pixels) display.<br /><br />If you're a die-hard fan of LG, and you wish to stick within your budget of ₹ 10,000, then by all means buy this smartphone. Else, look elsewhere within this list or increase your budget.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lg.com/in/mobile-phones/lg-OPTIMUS-L4II-Dual-E445-mobile-phones" target="_blank">LG Optimus L4 II website</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_optimus_l4_ii_dual_e445-5488.php" target="_blank">Specifications at GSMArena</a><br /><br /><br /><b>Nokia Lumia 520</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lb9PXqoVDSw/Ug93gMWUD4I/AAAAAAAAAgA/L6xD5ItF8eM/s1600/Nokia+Lumia+520.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lb9PXqoVDSw/Ug93gMWUD4I/AAAAAAAAAgA/L6xD5ItF8eM/s1600/Nokia+Lumia+520.jpeg" /></a></div><i>Processor: 1 Ghz, dual-core processor</i><br /><i>Storage: 8 GB ROM, 512 MB RAM</i><br /><div><i>Display : 4 inch, 480 x 800</i></div><div><i>Rear Camera: 5 MP photos, 720p HD video</i><br /><i>Operating System: Windows Phone 8</i></div><i>Dimensions: 119.9 x 64 x 9.9 mm</i><br /><br />Windows Phone and iOS smartphones are generally frowned upon by the general public for being less spec-heavy than similarly priced Android counterparts. If that's your line of thinking, the Nokia Lumia 520 will make you think again. This is the only smartphone in this list of smartphones below ₹ 10,000 which has a 1 Ghz dual-core processor, a WVGA (480 x 800 pixels) display, a 5 MP camera that can shoot HD (720p) video and 8 GB ROM.<br /><br />Unfortunately, this would also be one of the most undervalued smartphones in this line-up, simply because it runs Windows Phone. Windows Phone 8 by itself, has nothing wrong within. Microsoft 'fixed' many crippling issues that made Windows Phon 7.x barely usable. Windows Phone also means that the Lumia 520 is one out of the two smartphones in this line-up which does not have dual-SIM functionality. If you <i>must</i>&nbsp;have dual-SIM, then you'll have to look elsewhere. Same story with the apps:&nbsp;if there are certain apps that you desperately must-have which aren't available on Windows Phone, you're stuck with Android in this budget. Otherwise, the Nokia Lumia 520 is an excellent buy in this price range right now.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nokia.com/in-en/phones/phone/lumia-520/" target="_blank">Nokia Lumia 520 website</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_520-5322.php" target="_blank">Specifications at GSMArena</a><br /><br /><br /><b>Samsung Galaxy Fame</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoQvyuOgBnE/Ug93giLXAXI/AAAAAAAAAgU/gwBb6Xy6QNI/s1600/Samsung+Galaxy+Fame.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoQvyuOgBnE/Ug93giLXAXI/AAAAAAAAAgU/gwBb6Xy6QNI/s1600/Samsung+Galaxy+Fame.jpeg" /></a></div><i>Processor: 1 Ghz processor</i><br /><i>Storage: 4 GB ROM, 512 MB RAM</i><br /><div><i>Display : 3.5 inch, 320 x 480</i></div><div><i>Rear Camera: 5 MP photos, VGA video and front camera</i><br /><i>Operating System: Android 4.1 (Jellybean)</i></div><i>Dimensions: 113.2 x 61.6 x 11.6 mm</i><br /><br />Samsung has conquered the Android and smartphone realms in the past few years, and it's definitely due to the sheer volume of devices that the company seems to output every year. For this listing, we had a difficult time choosing a clear winner from Samsung for this budget, but the Galaxy Fame narrowly made the final cut. In its favour, the Galaxy Fame has a front camera (the only smartphone in this list to have one) and a 5 MP camera. Apart from that, it ticks all the necessary boxes for Android smartphones within this budget.<br /><br />What we still are unhappy with Samsung for is the fact that the design of their smartphones right from the cheapest to the costliest is basically the same, and does not leave a great feeling in our hands (when compared to the competition). Also, the Touchwiz user interface (the skin that Samsung applies on top of the Android base) is still quite cartoonish. These could be overlooked if you want to buy a phone from the manufacturer that has sold the most number of Android smartphones till date, but that would have to be a personal choice.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.samsung.com/in/consumer/mobile-phone/mobile-phone/smartphone/GT-S6812MBAINU?subsubtype=android-mobiles" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy Fame website</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_fame_s6810-5279.php" target="_blank">Specifications at GSMArena</a><br /><br /><br /><b>Sony Xperia E Dual</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGT30rkHKIA/Ug93g90LcdI/AAAAAAAAAgM/cmOHLZthEAA/s1600/Sony+Xperia+E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGT30rkHKIA/Ug93g90LcdI/AAAAAAAAAgM/cmOHLZthEAA/s1600/Sony+Xperia+E.jpeg" /></a></div><i>Processor: 1 Ghz processor</i><br /><i>Storage: 4 GB ROM, 512 MB RAM</i><br /><div><i>Display : 3.5 inch, 320 x 480</i></div><div><i>Rear Camera: 3.15 MP photos, VGA video</i><br /><i>Operating System: Android 4.1 (Jellybean)</i></div><i>Dimensions: 113.5 x 61.8 x 11 mm</i><br /><br />Sony has attacked the Android smartphone market with a renewed strategy that is appropriate for the market in many ways. Their 2013 crop of Android smartphones have a phone within ₹ 5,000 price range of each other - Xperia E, Xperia M, Xperia L, Xperia SP, Xperia ZR, Xperia ZL, Xperia Z, Xperia Z Ultra. Each phone differs in size, design, considerable features while maintaining a standard build quality all around. The Xperia E/E Dual is the only phone within the Sony 2013 line-up which still has capacitive buttons.<br /><br />While the Xperia E/E Dual manages to 'tick' all the necessary boxes for an Android smartphone within this budget, there is nothing exciting or new that it brings to the table. If you wish to purchase a smartphone running Android 4.1 (Jellybean) within this budget with good build quality and the base specs, you will find the Xperia E/E Dual a worthy contender for your money.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sony.co.in/product/xperia+e+dual" target="_blank">Sony Xperia E Dual website</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_e_dual-5148.php" target="_blank">Specifications at GSMArena</a></div></div></div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2013/08/the-best-smartphones-below-10000-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-3573782825024414490Thu, 16 May 2013 12:20:00 +00002013-05-16T17:50:19.118+05:3016 GBAndroidannounceGoogleIndiaJelly BeanlaunchLGNexus 4Nexus 4 16 GB launched in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edx-vFwbmxc/UZTMMfd3lHI/AAAAAAAAAe0/GjIUi3182vg/s1600/Nexus4.png.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nexus 4" border="0" height="336" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edx-vFwbmxc/UZTMMfd3lHI/AAAAAAAAAe0/GjIUi3182vg/s400/Nexus4.png.png" title="Nexus 4" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">LG has just announced that it's partnering with Google to launch the Nexus 4 in India. The price has been set at Rs. 25,999/- for the 16 GB version, with no word on the possibility of even a future launch of the 32 GB variant. Availability (in stores or online) is also unclear at the time of writing, but should be soon since we had noticed Flipkart.com listing the phone for pre-order before the press announcement from LG.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From all reports (outside India), this phone was the best Android phone at the time of its US launch, more than 6 months ago. From what we know, the only competitors right now are the current flagships from Sony, HTC and Samsung - which all sport 5-inch 1080p screens and cost nearly Rs. 40,000/- We still consider this a great buy, but we'll reserve our judgements until we get our grubby hands on a review unit and run it through our full ordeal of in-the-field tests.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For now, you'll have to be satisfied with reviewing the sundry list of specifications, straight from the Press Release, right beyond the break.</div><a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>Specifications:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">CPU Qualcomm SnapdragonTM S4 Pro CPU 1.5 GHz Krait</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Network Unlocked GSM/UMTS/HSPA+</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">GSM/EDGE/GPRS (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3G (850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">HSPA+ 42</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dimension 133.9 x 68.7 x 9.1 mm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Operating System Android 4.2 .2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Weight 139g</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>Display</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Type LCD/True HD IPS+</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Size 4.7” diagonal</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Resolution WXGA (1280 x 768) pixel resolution (320ppi)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Etc Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Touch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Type/Handwriting Zerogap/Yes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>Camera</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Main Camera 8MP</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Flash LED 1EA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Front Camera 1.3MP HD</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>Battery</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Capacity/Type 2,100mAh/Lipolymer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Embedded)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Talk Time 11.9 hours (Tx power 10dm)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Standby Time 564.5 hours (DRX 8)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>Audio/Video</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Audio Codec MP3/AAC/AA+/eAAC+/AMR NB/ WAV/WMA/MIDI</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Video Codec MPEG4/H.263/H.264</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Audio Jack 3.5mm</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2nd Microphone Yes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>Data Connectivity</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bluetooth/USB/WiFI</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3.0/2.0HS/802.11 a/b/g/n (Dual Band)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">GPS/HDMI/NFC Yes with GLONASS Support / Yes (Slimport)/ Yes (Android Beam)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>Memory</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Internal RAM/ROM 2GB/16GB</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>Processor</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Quad Core 1.5GHz</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>Advance Features</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wireless Charging Yes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wireless Display Yes</div></div></div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2013/05/nexus-4-16-gb-launched-in-india.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-5050407887133254357Sat, 23 Feb 2013 04:13:00 +00002013-05-16T17:33:59.537+05:30buying guideCanondigital camerasdSLR. cameraNikonpoint-and-shootsmartphonesSonyWhy you should not buy a point-and-shoot digital camera<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img alt="Sony NEX-5" border="0" height="361" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DUerZpzrwJo/UR6_1GxCGaI/AAAAAAAAAdo/yTHUne5IaWo/DSC05238%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sony NEX-5" width="640" /><br />We don’t presume to know everything, here at The Indian Geek. What little we <em>do</em> know, we like to share it with the big wide world. For several years now, we have been watching as the market for point-and-shoot cameras (the basic digital cameras) has been dwindling. For several years too, in our private conversations, we have discussed how it just doesn’t make sense to purchase a point-and-shoot camera. We decided to pen our thoughts on the subject, and let you be the judge.<br /><br />Point-and-shoot cameras are meant to be just that – point it at the subject, and shoot. With the advent of decent cameras in our modern smartphones, the point-and-shoot camera is pretty much redundant. Most smartphones that cost around Rs. 15,000 and above can take decent-enough photos that we wouldn’t mind leaving behind a point-and-shoot camera that cost us around the same amount. The only catch? Optical zoom is yet to make its way to our smartphones, and that seems to be the only area where these dying point-and-shoot cameras have an advantage.<br /><a name='more'></a>On the higher-end of the segment, manufacturers have become expert at releasing super-zoom cameras. These are basically point-and-shoot cameras with semi-professional features, such as manual aperture and shutter controls. These cost upwards of Rs. 15,000 and can go past the Rs. 30,000 mark. Sony’s latest RX1 is definitely a point-and-shoot, but the sensor size (it has a full-frame sensor), the features and the cost (it costs about $2,700 which works out to approximately Rs. 1,45,000) put it definitely in the <em>professional</em> category. So if you are planning on spending above Rs. 15,000 on a digital camera with semi-professional features, you might as well look into purchasing a full-fledged DSLR, like the Nikon D3100 or the Canon EOS 1100. If that’s too costly or the camera too bulky, look into Sony’s NEX range. In our own review of the 2010 Sony NEX-5, we found that for Rs. 24,990 it was a steal of a deal. The camera has an APS-C sized sensor, which is far larger than the sensor found in point-and-shoot digital cameras, even the super-zoom models. The MRP of the NEX-3 is currently just under Rs. 15,000. At this price, you get a camera with an APS-C sized sensor, and easy control options.<br /><br />From these points we have made, I think we can safely say that most point-and-shoot digital cameras below the 15k mark are trounced by most smartphones, while most point-and-shoot digital cameras above the 15k mark are battered by the NEX cameras from Sony, alongwith other DSLR models from other manufacturers. This is why we feel that point-and-shoot cameras are no longer a wise buy. Please let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.</div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2013/02/why-you-should-not-buy-point-and-shoot.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-2658353650845880793Sat, 16 Feb 2013 04:17:00 +00002013-05-16T17:33:38.541+05:30Applecomputercost effectiveDesktop PCMacBook AirMicrosoftmodernNotebook PConline syncOS XWindows 8Living with Windows 8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img alt="Windows 8 - Start screen" border="0" height="360" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cSOntOtElDk/UR6zeshDdeI/AAAAAAAAAc0/NAif4sAvEZU/Windows%2525208%252520-%252520Start%252520screen%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Windows 8 - Start screen" width="640" /><br />I, personally, have been a fan of Apple's design philosophy, their hardware and some of their software since the early 2000s. However, living in India, I did not have much opportunities to interact with Apple products and services. All that changed when I purchased an iPod Shuffle for my wife, and followed that with the purchase of a 11-inch MacBook Air in February 2011. Since then, I have staunchly believed that Apple hardware is so well-built and efficient, that anyone who has that much money should spend it on an Apple Notebook PC instead of a Windows-based Notebook PC. I even wrote at that time that Apple Notebooks were value-for-money, considering that Notebooks made by other computer manufacturers were not as well-made or as efficient. What about the OS, though? Well, most everyday actions were easy to adapt to. I consider myself a power user, but most of my computer-related tasks are simple. There are rare occasions when I use Adobe Photoshop, or perform a little video editing with Adobe's Premier Elements or Windows Movie Maker. For these rare occasions, I've never used the MacBook Air. For general computing, however, I desired a Mac. I wanted to switch our home Desktop PC to a Mac (probably a Mac Mini - it's small and efficient), and buy a MacBook for myself. To leave the entire Windows computing world behind and step into a world filled only with brushed aluminium and rounded rectangles is a daunting proposition, not to mention the fact that this would cost over a lakh of rupees. I've felt the money would be well spent.<br /><br />However, I now believe firmly that Windows 8 has changed that. I'm no longer completely sold on the Apple ecosystem. I still love their hardware. The glass trackpad on any MacBook is such a pure joy to use, for example. Microsoft's Windows 8 has captured me, though, with it's perfect rectangles and squares, it's Charms bar, and the sweeping animations that make even my aging Desktop PC look so modern (pun intended). Read on to find out why.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>Online Sync</b><br /><img alt="Windows 8 - Settings, Users" border="0" height="360" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CY6lv3f_f3s/UR6zgS0DdsI/AAAAAAAAAc8/GDS2zYwfaRY/Windows%2525208%252520-%252520Settings%25252C%252520Users%25255B19%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Windows 8 - Settings, Users" width="640" /><br />When Windows 8 is installed on a PC, it asks you to login with your Microsoft account, if you have one. Most people may be comfortable in skipping that step and using a local-only 'traditional' account, but I use a Microsoft account. The advantage? It synchronises my personalized settings across devices. Since I also use a Windows 8-based Notebook PC, this comes in handy. If I change the Wallpaper or the auto-hide behaviour of the Task Bar on my Desktop PC, it makes the appropriate changes to my Notebook PC (provided I log in to the Notebook PC and allow it to synchronise with my settings online). This is just the beginning of things. The 6 email accounts that I had configured on my Desktop PC just showed up on my Notebook PC. The pain of sitting and configuring things again and again in every computer I use is no longer there. This really feels magical. What then of the people who don't use multiple computers? Well, even before I upgraded my Notebook PC to Windows 8, the online-ness of Windows 8 gave me heavy doses of excitement. It can be a tad intrusive to have a friend say "Hi" with a message that pops up in the top-right corner of the screen when the whole family is watching a film, but I guess that's something I'd rather live with it - considering the benefits. I really don't need to visit the website Facebook, with all my content synchronising with the People and Messages app. I don't need to open up my various Gmail accounts, either. The fact that everything is just synchronised seamlessly in the background, and I have everything at my fingertips is a huge boon that makes every other currently available computer Operating System seem quite archaic.<br /><br /><b>Modern UI</b><br />Speaking of archaic, the User Interface style that Microsoft was calling Metro is currently termed the Modern UI. Frankly, there couldn't be a better word for it. Everything seems so clean and efficient with sharp lines and clean, white spaces. Apple's latest OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) makes textures and 3D elements look really nice, but I love simplicity. More importantly, I love efficiency in simplicity and Windows 8 is rich with it. The font, the colours and the design elements all combine to form a very fluidic, natural-seeming interface. The Modern UI has no space or ability to display a dialog box; all notifications show up as unobtrusive pop-up banners in the top-right corner of the screen. IE informs you that a download has completed. Facebook messages show up this way. When an app finishes installing from the Windows Store, an unobtrusive pop-up banner lets you know so.<br /><br /><b>Cost Factor</b><br />The computers in my house have been running non-pirated software for several years now. Yet, the fact that Microsoft was providing Windows 8 at an introductory price of just Rs. 1999/- meant that plenty of folks in our country could actually be convinced to buy the Operating System instead of downloading it from a pirated source. People who have put off buying original, licensed software (and who staunchly refused to use Linux) were now able to get a side-door entry into the world of fully original, licensed software. With a free upgrade of the Media Center Pack, to boot. Agreed, this offer was available only till 31st January, 2013 but it was an offer well worth participating in.<br /><br /><b>Missing Features</b><br /><img alt="Windows 8 - Settings, Devices" border="0" height="360" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DfCtHmhtwoI/UR6zhr-ED_I/AAAAAAAAAdE/lNkRTtU9nzA/Windows%2525208%252520-%252520Settings%25252C%252520Devices%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Windows 8 - Settings, Devices" width="640" /><br />Are there missing features that would make my experience with Windows 8 more well-rounded and well, complete? Of course! Primarily, I would like Microsoft to completely do away with the Desktop interface. I know that in its current avatar, Windows 8 requires us to keep going back to the Desktop interface - to use legacy programs, to use stable versions of third-party web browsers, and so on. What I expectantly wait for, is the day when all the apps I use are available in the Modern interface and I no longer require the Desktop interface. The second most-pressing need in Windows 8 is the native integration of Google Talk with the built-in Windows 8 Messaging app. It just makes sense because the Mail, Calendar and People apps have made me require a web browser so much less - I don't really need a web browser for Gmail, Facebook or checking my Google Calendar now (On a related note, I entirely dislike having to install a Desktop-based legacy app such as Google Talk to handle my Google Talk needs. It's either the built-in Messaging app, or from within Gmail in a web browser for me). So it would only make sense to reduce my dependence on a web browser by integrating Google Talk within the Messaging app. There are plenty more features that one could wish for, but the third requirement that I can see missing is that most of the standard Windows configuration settings aren't available within the Modern interface. Sure, some basic personalization and configuration options are available. Yet, deeper fine-tuning of network connections' properties, printers configuration, etc. require the user to use the legacy Desktop interface - which just isn't fine. If Microsoft seriously expects third-party App developers to bank only on the Modern interface to build their apps, perhaps Microsoft itself should take the Modern interface seriously - and bank only on it when building the next update to Windows.</div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2013/02/living-with-windows-8.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-1058800114949195902Mon, 19 Nov 2012 12:45:00 +00002012-11-19T18:16:44.214+05:30AndroidDesktop PCiPadlaunchMicrosoftnewNotebook PCPCtabletversionWindows 8Windows 8 EnterpriseWindows 8 ProWindows RTHow to get Windows 8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center"><img alt="Versions of Windows 8" border="0" height="225" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DaIcLKs62lo/T41LJlbmCGI/AAAAAAAAAHs/JySRRh2dq0Y/01%252520-%252520Start%252520Screen%25255B5%25255D.png" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Versions of Windows 8" width="400" /></div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div>You've watched that nice Ad play out on television numerous times, and you have realised that Windows 8 is the Operating System that you really, really want. What next? If you have read through our previous post on the various <a href="http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/04/windows-rt-8-pro-enterprise-editions.html" target="_blank">versions of Windows 8</a> available, you would have a good idea as to whether you want Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro. Obviously, if your office computer gets Windows 8 Enterprise (as decided by your organisation's IT department) there's not much you can do to change that.<br /><br />Let's begin with <strong>Windows RT</strong>. Windows RT is not something you can pick up off a shelf and install in a computer of your choosing. Windows RT is available only with newly purchased ARM-based (that's a processor specification that differs greatly from Intel/AMD-based processors - if you have a smartphone/tablet purchased in recent years, it would be based on an ARM-based processor) Tablets and PCs. Quite a few ARM-based devices have been announced by PC manufacturers, Microsoft included, but we don't look too kindly on a version of Windows that cannot run legacy (meaning every single Windows software that was released before Windows 8) Windows software. An average Indian, when setting up a new PC, goes ahead and installs a set of software which generally includes (but is not limited to) the following: Google Talk, VLC Media Player and/or the traditional Windows Media Player with a codec pack, a download manager such as Free Download Manager and so on. Sadly, none of these can be installed on a PC running Windows RT. Say, what?! Yes, Windows RT is Microsoft's attempt at capturing the Tablet market that has been dominated by the iPad and completed by Android-based Tablets.<br /><a name='more'></a>Since Intel/AMD-based processors cannot provide the battery backup that would be comparable to an iPad or Android Tablets, Microsoft had to build Windows RT. So, Windows RT is more like a Tablet-specific version of the new Windows. We know this could be confusing - feel free to read up more about it online or drop us a line. We'd be glad to go ahead and clear any doubts our readers might have regarding the new flavours of Windows.<br /><div><br /><br />Moving on, let's take a look at the "standard" edition of Windows 8: <strong>Windows 8</strong>. This is the version that we have seen being offered with most new PCs running Windows 8, yet this is the one version that Microsoft is not offering easily for existing PC owners. If you just want to purchase a full version of Windows 8, you will need to talk to a sales rep, as the Microsoft website says. There is no 'retail' version of Windows 8 - you would be forced to purchase a System Builder license (previously known as OEM) from wherever you can find it available. In the US, websites like newegg and Amazon generally stock these licenses. Good luck with finding similar options in India. Oh, and the best part? If you purchase a System Builder license-version of Windows 8, Microsoft does not provide technical support.<br /><br />Finally, the version that we like the best: <strong>Windows 8 Pro</strong>. If you have recently purchased a new Desktop/Notebook PC running a licensed version of Windows 7, you can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for only Rs. 699/- If you have a computer running a licensed (not cracked or pirated!) version of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 Consumer Preview or Windows 8 Release Preview then you can purchased the upgrade for Rs. 1999/- directly from Microsoft. If you want to purchase a physical copy of the Windows 8 Pro upgrade, your chances in India are slim. If you want to purchase a no-nonsense, full (not an upgrade) version of Windows 8 Pro - we wish you all the best. You would need to purchase a System Builder license, just like for the standard edition of Windows 8 (Refer previous paragraph). <br /><br />We hope this clears some of the questions surrounding Windows 8 versions and how to obtain them. Like we mentioned previously in the article, if you have further queries, feel free to contact us via email or leave a comment below.<br /><br /><strong>More Info:</strong> <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows-8/meet" target="_blank">Windows 8 &amp; Windows RT</a></div></div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/11/how-to-get-windows-8.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-8946067134796647631Tue, 22 May 2012 16:52:00 +00002012-05-22T22:22:00.187+05:30cloud computingconsoleGakamaigaminglaunchnVidiaPCsmartphonestabletNvidia launches GRID GPU for better cloud gaming; wants you to game instantly, anywhere and on any device<p align="center"><img title="Nvidia GeForce GRID - Cloud Gaming platform" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Nvidia GeForce GRID - Cloud Gaming platform" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PMc46NEBqZA/T7o3s6xCtHI/AAAAAAAAAcI/qP3UL219eR4/s480/nVidia%2520-%2520GeForce%2520GRID%2520-%2520Cloud%2520Gaming%2520platform.png" width="480" height="264" /></p><p>Nvidia, a leader in the gaming industry, recently announced the launch of the GeForce GRID - a Cloud Gaming solution. Cloud computing itself is nothing new - any computing that is delivered directly from a web server to a computer can be loosely termed as cloud computing. Where Nvidia is planning to shake things up, though, is by providing a dedicated cloud gaming GPU - the GeForce GRID - which is stated to reduce existing latency in cloud gaming, increase the capacity of gamers that can be handled by a single game, and increase the quality of the games that can be played. All this while simultaneously reducing the power requirements for the cloud gaming servers by using higher powered yet more efficient GPUs. Nvidia claims that cloud gaming is the future - and if you look at the computing world today, everything is being pushed to the cloud and so, it is definitely logical to believe that cloud gaming would take a huge stride forward in the coming year or so. </p><! -- more --><p>Nvidia quotes the superiority and the efficiency of the new GRID GPU as being able to provide a more playable gaming experience when compared to previously offered cloud gaming services. As you can see from the graphic below, the GeForce GRID GPU should be able to deliver a gaming experience almost similar to using a standard console/computer for dedicated gaming. Of course, the bandwidth of your Internet connection is a factor that is not taken into consideration in the graphic below - but this gives us a fair idea of how Nvidia's new Cloud Gaming solution is placed with respect to previous entrants to this market.</p><p align="center"><img title="Nvidia GeForce GRID - Latency comparison chart" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Nvidia GeForce GRID - Latency comparison chart" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-riNUWrkC1Eo/T7o3s-OI18I/AAAAAAAAAcE/ayiCVb2pxKg/s480/nVidia%2520-%2520GeForce%2520GRID%2520-%2520Latency%2520comparison%2520chart.png" width="480" height="269" /></p><p>If you are wondering what hardware you would need to play a game backed by Nvidia's GeForce GRID, you would be happy to know that the only real hardware requirements would be a computing device that can handle the decoding (processing) of displaying a h.264 video stream (which is most modern smartphones, tablets, computers and televisions). Of course, since this is Cloud Gaming, you would need a decent Internet connection. There are no "minimum" stipulations laid out, but Nvidia state that they 'recommend' a 2 Mbps connection at least for playing games at 720p resolution, while a 5 Mbps connection would be a good connection to try out cloud gaming at 1080p. Nvidia was quite liberal in mentioning Gakamai - who appears to be one of the first and largest partners for the new Nvidia GeForce GRID platform. Gakamai is sort of like a "middle man". They take care of getting some games and putting them on Nvidia's new cloud gaming platform, and they provide the service to end users like you and me. Apparently, some of LG's latest Smart TVs have the Akamai service built-in - so you can enjoy cloud gaming without an additional hardware console or computer - you would just need a compatible LG Smart TV. Gakamai seems to be charging a monthly fee to end users to access and use Cloud Gaming, but we're sure that some cash-laden rich company somewhere would come up with a entry-free solution for cost-conscious gamers to get into the cloud gaming action.</p><p><strong>More Info:</strong> <a href="http://www.geforce.co.uk/whats-new/articles/geforce-grid/" target="_blank">Nvidia GeForce GRID</a></p>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/05/nvidia-launches-grid-gpu-for-better.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-8503928928100341654Fri, 18 May 2012 05:28:00 +00002012-05-18T10:58:00.440+05:302.3 Gingerbread4.0 Ice Cream SandwichAndroidcomparisondifferenceslaunchSony MobilespecificationsXperia Neo LXperia Neo VXperia SolaXperia UDifference between Xperia U and Xperia Sola, two midrange Android phones from Sony Mobile India<p align="center"><img title="Sony Mobile India - Xperia U" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Sony Mobile India - Xperia U" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Gj-msM70fnc/T7QUVQBfVMI/AAAAAAAAAb4/adld84whI-A/s400/Sony%2520Mobile%2520-%2520NXT%2520series%2520-%2520Xperia%2520U.jpg" width="329" height="400" /></p> <p>If you've noticed the product pages going live at <a href="http://www.flipkart.com" target="_blank">Flipkart</a> for the Sony Xperia U and the Sony Xperia Sola, and have wondered about the exact differences between these two mid-range Android smartphones, you have come to the right place. While the Sony Xperia U and the Sony Xperia Sola have very similar specifications on many fronts, there are a few key differences; and unlike the differences between the high-end Xperia S, the higher mid-range Xperia P and the decidedly mid-range Xperia U, the differences between the Xperia Sola and the Xperia U smartphones do not make it easy for you to make a decision. So we suggest that you take a look at the differences we have identified, and then decide which one would better-suit your requirements. If you are unable to settle on either and are willing to stretch your budget, then you could wait for the release of the Sony Xperia P in India and then decide.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p><strong>Comparison of Sony Xperia U and Sony Xperia Sola</strong><br /> Let's get the similarities out of the way. The <strong>size</strong> of the two smartphones is very similar, with the Xperia U being 4 mm shorter, 5 mm narrower and a hair above 2 mm thicker than the Xperia Sola. The 110g <strong>weight</strong> of the Xperia U is also very similar to the 107g weight of the Xperia Sola. Both the Xperia U and the Xperia Sola share the same Ericsson U8500 <strong>processor</strong> which is dual-core, and runs at 1 Ghz. Both devices also share the same amount of <strong>RAM</strong>: 512 MB. Radio, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and sensors like accelerometer and the proximity sensor are also common between the two phones. Power is provided for both smartphones by a 1320 mAh <strong>battery</strong>. On the <strong>software</strong> front, both phones would run Android 2.3 Gingerbread at release, with an update to Android 4 Ice-Cream Sandwich being provided by Sony Mobile later in the year. For photos and videos, both smartphones possess a 5 MP Autofocus <strong>rear camera</strong>, capable of shooting 720p HD video. The display <strong>resolution</strong> of both the phones is a Sony Mobile standard: FWVGA, which is 854 x 480. That's where the differences start.</p> <p>The unique feature of the Sony Xperia Sola, is a "floating" <strong>display</strong>. It allows you to control onscreen elements without actually touching the screen; very similar to the way a mouse pointer is moved across the screen by moving the mouse. To actually 'click' an onscreen element, you could tap the screen with your finger. This display on the Xperia Sola is also larger, at 3.7 inches while the Xperia U makes do with a 3.5 inch screen. Even with a denser and smaller display, the Xperia U measures quite as much as the Xperia Sola due to the newly-introduced transparent notification "block" below the screen. The Xperia Sola also makes do without a <strong>front camera</strong>, while the Xperia U has a VGA front camera for self-portraits and basic video chatting. Another big differentiator for these two mid-range Android smartphones is the available <strong>storage</strong>. The Xperia U has a very low capacity of built-in storage, with just 4 GB - and a microSD card slot is absent. The Xperia Sola plays the part of a bigger brother, with 8 GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for additional expansion upto 32 GB.</p><p>Which is the right phone for you? Only your exact needs and requirements can help you decide. If the Xperia Sola had a front-facing camera, or if the Xperia U had more storage or at the least, a microSD card slot, we could definitely pick a clearer "winner". Sadly, the decision becomes tougher with the current set of specifications for these two Android smartphones from Sony Mobile. We'd like to leave you with a quick mention of the Sony Xperia Neo L is also slated to launch later this year, although that has very similar specifications to 2011's Xperia Neo V - 1 Ghz single-core processor, 1 GB storage (with microSD card slot, 5 MP rear camera, VGA front camera, 4 inch Mobile Bravia Engine display, and a 1500 mAh battery. Only real change with the Xperia Neo L seems to be that it would launch with Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich onboard, which is not too much of a boon considering that the Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade has been promised already for 2011's Xperia Neo V. Our comments section below would be glad to hear of your thoughts on this mid-range crop of phones from Sony Mobile for India in 2012.</p><p><strong>More Info:</strong> <a href="http://www.sonymobile.com/in/" target="_blank">Sony Mobile India</a> (<a href="http://pressreleases.sonymobile.com/2012/0313/english" target="_blank">Xperia Sola</a>, <a href="http://pressreleases.sonymobile.com/2012/mwc/english" target="_blank">Xperia U</a>)</p> <!-- more -->http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/05/difference-between-xperia-u-and-xperia.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-8820563223149850088Thu, 17 May 2012 05:17:00 +00002012-05-17T10:47:00.053+05:30accountAirtelAirtel MoneyannounceAxis BankbankingFinancial InclusionsavingsAirtel Money "Super Account" powered by Axis bank launched; Airtel Money combined with a zero-balance bank account for select cities<p align="center"><img title="Airtel Money "Super Account" powered by Axis bank, launch" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Airtel Money "Super Account" powered by Axis bank, launch" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BE_z-QWK--4/T7QHeVLxjkI/AAAAAAAAAbs/6022XCGOwcQ/s480/Airtel%2520Money%2520Super%2520Account%252C%2520powered%2520by%2520Axis%2520Bank.jpg" width="480" height="307" /></p> <p>Financial Inclusion is a big deal these days. It's a phrase that is tossed around lightly when people talk of getting financial services to the not-so-well-to-do folk. Airtel's subsidiary, Airtel m-Commerce Services Limited, and Axis Bank have announced a venture that promises to actually do something about it. Airtel m-Commerce Services Limited is the subsidiary of Airtel that is responsible for Airtel Money - surely, you would have seen the television commercials informing you that you can send and receive money through your mobile phones. For the uninformed, the Airtel Money service has a registration fee, and most of the transactions require an additional per-transaction cost. Airtel has decided to use the Airtel Money service to gain some momentum for financial inclusion, by partnering with Axis bank. From the announcement, it seems that the Airtel Money "Super Account" powered by Axis Bank would initially be available for sending money from Delhi and Mumbai, while East UP and Bihar have been selected as the locations where money could be received. Obviously, they plan to expand further to more cities across India. Basically, you would get all the facilities of an Airtel Money account, without the extra charges that are levied on "normal" Airtel Money accounts. This "Super Account" is also a zero-balance savings account with Axis Bank. All this aims to improve Financial Inclusion, as Sanjay Kapoor, the CEO of Airtel India and South Asia mentioned during the launch that nearly 43% of our country do not have bank accounts. Apparently, these people prefer conducting all their financial transactions with that hassle-free commodity called 'cash'. The announcement also states that they would slowly roll out deposits, loans and insurance products tied to this "Super Account", but on a much smaller scale than standard savings accounts ('micro' deposits, they are called). This may not be a big deal for those of us who own fancy accounts with International banking institutions such as Citi, HSBC, Deutsche and so on. However, for the millions who do not (and in many cases, who cannot) possess a banking account, this would surely ease their entry into the world of savings accounts and banking. </p> <p><strong>More Info:</strong> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/notes/airtel-india/bharti-airtel-and-axis-bank-announce-strategic-alliance-for-financial-inclusion/437966156215407" target="_blank">Airtel India, Facebook</a></p> <a name='more'></a>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/05/airtel-money-super-account-powered-by.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-812790817064956702Tue, 15 May 2012 07:47:00 +00002012-05-15T13:19:49.320+05:30AadhaarBBC World NewscardClickGovernmentIndiaMobile Irrigation SystemSpencer KellytechnologyTV showsBBC Click India edition airs on Saturday, May 19th<p align="center"><img title="BBC Click, India edition filming" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="BBC Click, India edition filming" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GUDSqg0_bo0/T7H4UiABGwI/AAAAAAAAAbY/Ye-eeHGarSI/s480/BBC%2520Click%252C%2520India%2520edition%2520filming%252C%2520270p.jpg" width="480" height="270" /></p> <p>BBC World News, the channel that broadcasts BBC programmes in non-UK regions (like our beautiful and fair India) is all set to air an India-specific edition of their hit tech show, <i>Click</i>. The photo you see above (and the photo below) was taken during the filming of this special India-focussed episode of Click. We, at The Indian Geek, had the opportunity to spend some time with <a href="http://www.spencerkelly.com/" target="_blank">Spencer Kelly</a>, the presenter of <i>Click</i>, during his recent visit to Bangalore and we had a nice chat with him about the state of technology, his varied experience and the agenda for the upcoming India-specific edition of BBC Click. This upcoming episode of BBC Click will air on BBC World News at 2.00 pm and 10.00 pm IST on Saturday, 19th May. The repeat broadcasts on Sunday, 20th May are at 10.00 am and 7.00 pm IST. Follow us past that "Read more" link below to know more about the details of what is set to be covered in this episode</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Overall, Spencer Kelly was very impressed with the way that we Indians seem to be able to put technology to new uses by just hashing together two or more technology device-forms to fulfill some purpose. As an example, he mentioned an "SMS board" that a village near New Delhi has erected in their village center, which is simply a huge LED board hooked up to a SIM card (with the necessary cellular technology) and lashed to a tree. When people who leave the village need to send messages back home, they simply send an SMS to the number of the SIM attached to the LED board, and the message is displayed on the LED board. It's simple, it's effective, and it combines an LED board with cellular technology.</p><p align="center"><img title="BBC Click, India edition filming - Aadhaar" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="BBC Click, India edition filming - Aadhaar" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wOhBx7JT_2Q/T7H4m-DqoTI/AAAAAAAAAbg/HYm4R_LSSYE/s480/BBC%2520Click%252C%2520India%2520edition%2520-%2520Aadhaar%252C%2520270p.jpg" width="480" height="270" /></p><p>The main issues being covered in this upcoming episode of <i>Click</i> would be the <a href="http://uidai.gov.in/" target="_blank">Aadhaar card</a>. If you live in India, and you haven't heard about the Indian Government's attempt to provide a unified, unique identification card to every citizen (on a voluntary basis) called the Aadhaar card, then we seriously suggest that you get out more and catch up on the latest news. So Spencer Kelly and his team would be delving a little bit into the process for obtaining the card, and the technology surrounding the same.<br /><br />This episode of <i>Click</i> would also be focussing on a "Mobile Irrigation System". Apparently, at some farm near Bangalore, farmers have started using a mobile irrigation system to better utilize the available electricity, due to sporadic and unpredictable power cuts. A SIM card (again, with the necessary cellular technology attached) is hooked up to the irrigation system. The farmer neeed not be near the irrigation site; he can be anywhere and just needs to call the mobile number of the SIM card attached to the irrigation system, to register a missed call. The Mobile Irrigation System then replies with the status of electricity - to notify the farmer if the power is on/off. Accordingly, the farmer can then call the number again to switch on the irrigation system and so on.</p><p>Full details on the Mobile Irrigation System, and a complete tech overview of the Aadhaar enrollment process would be showcased in <i>Click</i>, airing this Saturday, 19th May with repeat broadcasts on Sunday, 20th May.</p> <p><strong>Pictures credit:</strong> <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/BBCCLICK" target="_blank">@BBCClick</a> (<a href="http://twitter.com/#!/BBCClick/status/198410261206540290/photo/1" target="_blank">1</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/BBCClick/status/197748241146712064/photo/1/" target="_blank">2</a>)<br /><strong>More Info:</strong> <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/default.stm" target="_blank">BBC Click</a></p>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/05/bbc-click-india-edition-airs-on.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-2121658048423806442Sun, 06 May 2012 18:30:00 +00002012-05-07T12:00:49.303+05:30DSLRdSLR. camerafull reviewNEX 5SonySony Alpha NEX-5 (2010) – Full Review<p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dEWaUBVhCLM/T6cCzwohoHI/AAAAAAAAAQM/25HU0gFbjzU/s1600-h/DSC05231%25255B1%25255D%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Sony Alpha NEX-5 - Full Review" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Sony Alpha NEX-5 - Full Review" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NLCFj8LrQbg/T6cC01GmuXI/AAAAAAAAAQU/qw8z5QjsC10/DSC05231%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="296" /></a></p> <p>Welcome to The Indian Geek’s review of the Sony Alpha NEX-5. Before we get started, we’d like to clarify that latest model that was released globally in 2011, the Sony Alpha NEX-5n is yet to be released in India (at the time of writing this review, in May 2012). Hence, this review is of the Sony Alpha NEX-5 released in 2010. </p> <p>Why, you might ask, is The Indian Geek reviewing the NEX-5 which has been in the market for two years? Our primary focal point for this review stems from the fact that many of the people out there know the basic advantages and limitations of the two main classes of digital cameras in the world today – point and shoot cameras and Digital SLR cameras. However, alternate camera formats with interchangeable lenses (micro four-thirds format, Sony’s NEX series and Nikon’s 1 series) are sceptically viewed as being both inferior to DSLR cameras as well as too costly when compared to point-and-shoot digital cameras. </p> <p>In this review, we won’t be diving into the depths of what the Sony NEX-5 provides; rather, we’ll be looking at the value offered by a camera currently retailing at Rs. 24,500/- when compared to the costlier range of DSLR cameras and the cheaper range of point-and-shoot cameras, (including super-zoom cameras). </p> <p>Read on for a breakdown of the hardware, usability, and overall quality, and whether the NEX5 is the right camera for you.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GhiBvxDPH5s/T6cC2L0M1wI/AAAAAAAAAQc/Zc2LyWbQuMQ/s1600-h/DSC05264%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05264" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; 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border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05250" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--2Rx8womeMQ/T6cDQ7SHxTI/AAAAAAAAATE/1HFxiNMBVWw/DSC05250_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="80" height="45" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v8sOh7tJSyw/T6cFMJ0wu7I/AAAAAAAAATU/Tnulliu3CIQ/s1600-h/DSC05251%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05251" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05251" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SS5L_NqOI-g/T6cFNMCKIAI/AAAAAAAAATY/uLSn-VDuT9Q/DSC05251_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="80" height="45" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PHYZWsW9yrI/T6cFOCKl-UI/AAAAAAAAATk/airL8IlgUPk/s1600-h/DSC05253%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05253" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05253" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JYEhjMUIiJs/T6cFPGtze5I/AAAAAAAAATs/yrp59edlXNU/DSC05253_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="80" height="45" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3GCEsqDxz6U/T6cFRlGrsbI/AAAAAAAAAT0/M4GpfpbLqU4/s1600-h/DSC05254%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05254" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05254" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h6lT-Gt39tA/T6cFSjQDBKI/AAAAAAAAAT8/n9wpqDyFaec/DSC05254_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="80" height="45" /></a></p> <p><strong>Hardware</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2K54j63GQRk/T6cFUEvPPfI/AAAAAAAAAUE/zaBkavoVqtk/s1600-h/DSC05232%25255B1%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Sony Alpha NEX-5 - Hardware" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Sony Alpha NEX-5 - Hardware" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FPWftV6A4rE/T6cFVan3NFI/AAAAAAAAAUM/-RrmeByqgFo/DSC05232%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="271" /></a></p> <p>In keeping with the high benchmark for design that Sony has been setting, like in the <a href="http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/02/sony-tablet-s-full-review.html" target="_blank">Sony Tablet S</a> and the <a href="http://www.theindiangeek.com/2011/09/sony-ericsson-xperia-arc-full-review.html" target="_blank">Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc</a>, the NEX-5 is a camera that looks and feels premium. We have used digital cameras that lie across the budget spectrum – from the point-and-shoot cameras that cost Rs. 3,000 all the way up to mid-range dSLR cameras that cost close to Rs. 1,00,000. Many digital cameras in the sub-Rs. 10,000 segment feel plasticky, and you just know that the plastic and the paint would start chipping soon. Not so with the NEX-5. Its metal body is a tactile delight to hold and use, with both its heft and its finish giving it a distinctly premium feel. The lens is also a departure from the all-black lenses that normally accompany dSLR cameras – it is silver, and looks as premium as the rest of the camera. The pop-up flash is detachable, and decidedly cute. It may sound like a chore to have a pop-up flash that needs to be attached/detached, but the small size of the flash unit enabled us to keep it attached to the camera at all times. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ukbb1Dksngg/T6cFW3RtDmI/AAAAAAAAAUU/dQ4NtOEk46w/s1600-h/DSC05239%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Sony Alpha NEX-5 - Hardware" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Sony Alpha NEX-5 - Hardware" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FitbJUsn5Rc/T6cFZ77eyGI/AAAAAAAAAUc/h6x-6UDt7Yc/DSC05239%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="267" /></a></p> <p>The top-right portion of the camera houses the on/off switch and the shutter release button. We’ve seen some point-and-shoot digital cameras with confusing on/off and shutter release buttons; on the NEX-5, however, since the on/off switch has to be rotated between the on and the off positions, it is easily differentiated from the shutter release button which is a standard push-down button. Next to the on/off switch, there is a playback button and a video recording button. Move towards the left on the top edge, and there are the mic for recording audio during video recording. Right below the shutter release button on the front is the tiny IR sensor, which would be useful if you’re looking to use a remote control unit with the camera (this is an accessory that needs to be purchased separately). Apart from the comfortably textured grip on the right-front side of the camera, there is not much else here.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e34NKr9v0FY/T6cFbLQ8n6I/AAAAAAAAAUk/abPv1w8afKM/s1600-h/DSC05240%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05240" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05240" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-niISLZqq8-A/T6cFcW5UUnI/AAAAAAAAAUs/7u-GzZmSPW8/DSC05240%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="270" /></a></p> <p>The rear face of the Sony NEX-5 digital camera has the sharp and vertically tiltable LCD, two action buttons, a main menu button with a dial to select various menu options within the camera’s software interface. There is also a seemingly useless grainy patch at the top-right corner of the camera’s rear. This rough patch is useful for your right hand’s thumb to not slip while holding the camera and taking a photograph.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GGDF6rKzqGg/T6cFdqHR3CI/AAAAAAAAAU0/aDs5ytDG9_k/s1600-h/DSC05252%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05252" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qu95S6zMLJM/T6cFekoOZpI/AAAAAAAAAU4/ZN4Gz2SVCzI/DSC05252%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" height="270" /></a></p> <p>The USB and HDMI connections are present within two covered sections on the left side of the camera. There is only a USB cable provided with the camera; you would need to obtain the requisite HDMI cable separately. The battery and memory card slots are present in a compartment that is accessible through the bottom of the camera. The bottom also houses the requisite “port” to connect any compatible tripod. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EGBwbN-VURI/T6cFf1bnzbI/AAAAAAAAAVE/JEu6-k77oIc/s1600-h/DSC05248%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05248" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05248" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vwcvvc0ia2o/T6cFg-j62-I/AAAAAAAAAVI/-dXGDkRHH2Y/DSC05248%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="270" /></a></p> <p>Overall, the Sony NEX-5 is a digital camera that you can proudly display without fear of scorn or ridicule from your dSLR-toting friends. The fact that it is much smaller compared to dSLRs increases the “wow” factor for onlookers when you tell them that <a href="http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/04/digital-cameras-categorization-based-on.html" target="_blank">the sensor size is the same for this camera as those costlier dSLRs</a>. Since you would have paid nearly Rs. 25,000/- to own this digital camera, it is definitely a good thing to have a nice “wow” factor to go along with the photo-taking capabilities of this camera. <br /></p> <p><strong>User Interface</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6OomjeUzc1U/T6cFjZvsKkI/AAAAAAAAAVU/32T12bP3TFc/s1600-h/DSC05242%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05242" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05242" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E5RDrFAw7CE/T6cG22_JfXI/AAAAAAAAAVk/HuTiEUsurMU/DSC05242%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="270" /></a></p> <p>The basic options to tweak the settings for your photos are all available here. However, if you’re coming from a full-sized Nikon/Canon/Sony dSLR, you are likely to be unpleasantly surprised and more than a little confused - the options here are specifically tailored to users upgrading from point-and-shoot cameras – which makes them extremely simplified. If you have not used dSLR cameras previously, you’ll find it easy to transition to the NEX-5’s camera user interface, with its greater flexibility, and on-screen help tips to guide you.. On the other hand, if you have used dSLR cameras before, and you expect dSLR-style controls since this is an interchangeable-lens camera with an APS-C sized sensor, you are going to be floundering, like we were. You would need to think in simple terms, and sometimes follow the onscreen help tips to figure out the settings you want. </p> <p>If you’re wondering how settings could be made simple, here’s an example – dedicated photographers generally know that a larger aperture not only allows more light, but it narrows down the field of focus of the camera resulting in photographs with those wonderfully blurred backgrounds with sharply-focussed subjects. In the NEX-5, though, you can’t manually define the aperture setting – the camera itself has a “Background Defocus” setting which can be adjusted to defocus the background to different levels.. Keep in mind that the provided 18-55 mm lens with an aperture rating of f/3.6–5.6 allows limited defocussing of the background; you’ll need a more capable lens such as the widely popular (among all manufacturers who make interchangeable lenses) 50 mm f/1.8</p> <p>&#160;</p> <p><strong>Performance</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VYyQCmMWfow/T6cG4ApSHdI/AAAAAAAAAVs/pD_QW3xlIlU/s1600-h/DSC05261%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05261" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05261" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bva5uUcw_uk/T6cG5TURy_I/AAAAAAAAAV0/-N7YrlSLefw/DSC05261%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="270" /></a></p> <p>Here, at The Indian Geek, we judge the ability and capability of a photograph-taking device by just taking photographs and looking at the results, and comparing it to other photograph-taking devices that we have used previously. When we used the Sony NEX-5 with just the standard 18-55 mm lens, the camera never disappointed. The camera being so compact, it’s easy to underestimate its abilities. However, the quality of images produced in all kinds of light was quite impressive. Some of the zoomed-in portrait shots look so beautiful that it would be easy to believe we were shooting with a much better lens than the provided 18-55 mm one.</p> <p><em>NOTE: The samples that follow are untouched, except for our watermark logo being added. Feel free to click any image to open a full-sized version in a new browser window.</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4UU9Y0DyEnU/T6cHGOiz10I/AAAAAAAAAV8/8eZCjInG0xc/s1600-h/DSC00604%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Wide angle photo, taken mid-day" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Wide angle photo, taken mid-day" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vy6FxIx_p2Y/T6cHHnf-UvI/AAAAAAAAAWE/wyRq_5vumEA/DSC00604_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="320" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y2C-cDXRRAc/T6cHSCyWQBI/AAAAAAAAAWM/SFf6rPnQcpQ/s1600-h/DSC00523%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Wide angle photo, taken at twilight" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Wide angle photo, taken at twilight" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZhBD2Skm6f0/T6cHTXBiadI/AAAAAAAAAWU/_kIP_AfaiSA/DSC00523_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="80" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yYhNImcKtS0/T6cItECoclI/AAAAAAAAAWc/NOdd5b64p28/s1600-h/DSC00533%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Pepsi can, taken indoors without flash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pepsi can, taken indoors without flash" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NeNs-psA340/T6cIuSmIwSI/AAAAAAAAAWg/ueLNzQoOMRA/DSC00533_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="53" height="80" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hPOy1qQaGj0/T6cI4-w9B6I/AAAAAAAAAWs/7zkz0mCITvc/s1600-h/DSC00458%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Office cubicle separator, taken indoors without flash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Office cubicle separator, taken indoors without flash" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-avXU-OFKQS8/T6cI6LjobbI/AAAAAAAAAWw/r5ka7dy16Us/DSC00458_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="80" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xZeFZNWzGCA/T6cJGfE149I/AAAAAAAAAW8/0G-WU4slfys/s1600-h/DSC00614%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Ice cream, taken indoors without flash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Ice cream, taken indoors without flash" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2XJ6aqbTkKs/T6cJHQMqtiI/AAAAAAAAAXE/hp3Tv3qD4hU/DSC00614_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="80" /></a></p> <p>The macro (close-up) shots were also exceptionally good. We are used to taking close-up photographs of gadgets for our device reviews, and this camera was the best – in keeping the exact required point in focus, while blurring out the rest of the photograph - we have seen (barring a Nikon D60 with a specific macro filter lens). The two photographs of the candle and the phone have been taken with and without flash.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1F_VB0-Hz90/T6cJQAeDQTI/AAAAAAAAAXM/_bomNYmJpV8/s1600-h/DSC00058%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Lens cover close-up, without flash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Lens cover close-up, without flash" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-371iObXca_o/T6cMR0OKjCI/AAAAAAAAAXY/EVc48bF3FYU/DSC00058_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="320" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9YavGVQDZ5o/T6cMXKcUIfI/AAAAAAAAAXg/uYpnHZx_PXI/s1600-h/DSC00185%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Candle close-up, with flash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Candle close-up, with flash" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2pndzEozgYc/T6cMYfjA3VI/AAAAAAAAAXo/XB-MT7-4vbk/DSC00185_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="80" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fJPYy_c4PAc/T6cMiOPV7ZI/AAAAAAAAAXw/ACVJLYfCxJc/s1600-h/DSC00191%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Candle close-up, without flash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Candle close-up, without flash" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sc2mCbcVTWg/T6cMjO7S1sI/AAAAAAAAAX0/rDEIJXKigdY/DSC00191_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="80" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5Fp8aWuzCkw/T6cMpQdUd8I/AAAAAAAAAYA/aIXesWxgh28/s1600-h/DSC00428%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Phone close-up, with flash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Phone close-up, with flash" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ExhMm00Gr3I/T6cMrVmeHfI/AAAAAAAAAYI/Y4UstRBjVqk/DSC00428_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="80" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E45Dlb_5q-U/T6cM0wM9qPI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/AR5TV0tKG5I/s1600-h/DSC00429%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Phone close-up, without flash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Phone close-up, without flash" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8zu_lP0eebQ/T6cM2fsePPI/AAAAAAAAAYU/-a14rmzyL9Y/DSC00429_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="80" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EYjJvDd6frg/T6cNDkNI38I/AAAAAAAAAYg/H3GafaWT6hk/s1600-h/DSC00070%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Notebook PC close-up, without flash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Notebook PC close-up, without flash" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wuW29WRnC30/T6cNFP66M-I/AAAAAAAAAYk/DXagiZZHFrQ/DSC00070_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="80" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d2LWICce_PY/T6cNPtvSQTI/AAAAAAAAAYw/Q1ryx4Odv-s/s1600-h/DSC00071%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Notebook PC close-up, without flash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Notebook PC close-up, without flash" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C7VTEPS6ehk/T6cNQwH9CqI/AAAAAAAAAY0/qro20F9iPe4/DSC00071_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="80" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G6ONfEk9eHQ/T6cNZzlx5rI/AAAAAAAAAZA/itF2u1kRaAw/s1600-h/DSC00072%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Notebook PC close-up, without flash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Notebook PC close-up, without flash" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nxqb3VsyjnI/T6cNbDRHcnI/AAAAAAAAAZI/riYlud8Q2zc/DSC00072_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="80" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-crH6RQ47-Uw/T6cNnxaL4dI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/NTUxvqBPcL4/s1600-h/DSC00432%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Notebook PC close-up, without flash" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Notebook PC close-up, without flash" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A7fQTildt7I/T6cNpT-hjsI/AAAAAAAAAZU/cXh2J9HqUBY/DSC00432_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="80" /></a></p> <p>At night, with little or no ambient light, the provided pop-up flash was able to completely light up subjects for portrait shots about 3-5 feet away. The test shot below was taken from outside a completely dark room, yet the flash illuminates the wall cupboard at the far wall (about 12 feet from the camera).</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q3jYv65zu-Y/T6cNy28Sy1I/AAAAAAAAAZg/uECxutejIy4/s1600-h/DSC00187%25255B13%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Photo taken to exhibit &quot;throw&quot; of flash in a dark room" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Photo taken to exhibit &quot;throw&quot; of flash in a dark room" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YEq9UtsAiGQ/T6cN0ouDaHI/AAAAAAAAAZo/CYp7N1v044Y/DSC00187_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="320" /></a></p> <p>&#160;</p> <p>The 1080p full HD video that the camera shoots is good enough to look quite realistic when displayed on a computer monitor or a TV screen.</p> <p>&#160;</p> <p><strong>Connectivity, Storage and Expansion options</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s6J0FRNhFRU/T6cN15pZrXI/AAAAAAAAAZw/7EiJndFTbYk/s1600-h/DSC05258%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05258" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05258" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SXEj0v4NuSs/T6cN24S9QII/AAAAAAAAAZ4/TpHKedmn0SM/DSC05258%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="270" /></a></p> <p>The NEX-5 has two connectivity options which we found to be sufficient for daily use. There is a mini USB port and an HDMI port if you want to hook up the camera directly to your HD TV to view the captured photos or videos. We are extremely happy with the fact that the camera has a direct USB connection. Point-and-shoot cameras remained without USB ports for years – they used proprietary connections that had USB and composite video-out combined in one cable. So if you’re moving up from a point-and-shoot, you would be pleasantly surprised. If you’re replacing an ageing dSLR, the inclusion of the mini-USB port may not come as a surprise to you, depending on the make/model of your outgoing dSLR camera. The use of the standardized mini USB port makes it easier to obtain a replacement cable if you lose the cable provided with the camera.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pM81ntaKIcc/T6cN4eNb4NI/AAAAAAAAAaA/urwK8Zvh-2I/s1600-h/DSC05263%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05263" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05263" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ngVVYSjpZ98/T6cN5Y1793I/AAAAAAAAAaE/4bMU7k7bqho/DSC05263%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="272" /></a></p> <p>The camera has no built-in storage, although most retailers we have seen are offering a free 4 GB SDHC memory card. In addition to the SDHC card slot, the NEX-5 also has a slot that supports all kinds of Sony’s Memory Sticks – Memory Stick Pro/Duo/etc. However, you can’t use both slots at the same time. So if you have old Memory Sticks, we’d suggest that you go ahead and use them. Otherwise, it may make sense for you to invest in a relatively faster Class 10 SDHC card of the capacity you require. If you plan to shoot a lot of full HD video, you will need quite a bit of storage. Likewise, if you plan to shoot most or all of your photos in RAW or JPEG + RAW format, you’ll need as much storage capacity as you can afford to buy.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EjZ7VRJGWcs/T6cN66SRz_I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/AkhGNM8TN5k/s1600-h/DSC05259%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05259" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05259" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2HxuCdYdE-8/T6cN75DwczI/AAAAAAAAAaU/94aJgo-vdao/DSC05259%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="270" /></a></p> <p>The biggest limitation that everybody quotes for the NEX series of cameras is that there are comparatively fewer lenses available than there are for dSLRs. We even met a salesperson who tried telling us that the cost of the Sony NEX-5 with the A mount lens adapter equals the cost of a full-sized dSLR camera, so we might as well purchase a dSLR because, he told us, we’ll definitely need the A mount lens adapter to be able to fit the full range of Sony’s A lenses. NOTE: Sony’s full-sized dSLR cameras use an A mount for lenses while the NEX series of cameras use an E mount for lenses. Let’s take an objective look at the available lenses right now, so you know what you would be getting yourself into if you buy a Sony NEX-series camera, such as the Sony NEX-5.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q_tibA7nYXM/T6cN9amebyI/AAAAAAAAAag/2azuO1LvIM0/s1600-h/DSC05235%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05235" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05235" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K0l_jPUfte4/T6cN-q8ZcII/AAAAAAAAAak/WtVH1GxFv4c/DSC05235%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="270" /></a></p> <p>In India, there are currently three E mount lenses for sale – one of which is included with the NEX-5. However, this past year (2011), Sony introduced several more lenses to the NEX line-up globally, considerably expanding the lens selection for these cameras. The following tables list the Sony NEX-format (E mount) lenses available in India and abroad:</p> <p>&#160;</p> <div align="center"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="500" align="center" border="1"><tbody> <tr> <td width="80" align="center"><strong>Lens name</strong></td> <td width="88" align="center"><strong>Focal length</strong></td> <td width="68" align="center"><strong>Aperture</strong></td> <td width="262" align="center"><strong>Comments</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="81" align="center">SEL1855</td> <td width="88" align="center">18-55 mm</td> <td width="68" align="center">f/3.5 – 5.6</td> <td width="262" align="center">Standard kit lens</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="82" align="center">SEL16F28</td> <td width="88" align="center">16 mm</td> <td width="68" align="center">f/2.8</td> <td width="262" align="center">Wide-angle lens for landscapes, scenery</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="83" align="center">SEL18200</td> <td width="88" align="center">18-200 mm</td> <td width="68" align="center">f/3.5-6.3</td> <td width="262" align="center">Zoom lens, equivalent to 11x optical zoom or 27-300 mm in 35 mm equivalent</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div> <p align="center"><em>Sony E mount lenses available in India, as of 7th May 2012</em></p> <p>&#160;</p> <div align="center"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" width="502" align="center" border="1"><tbody> <tr> <td width="77" align="center"><strong>Lens name</strong></td> <td width="84" align="center"><strong>Focal length</strong></td> <td width="67" align="center"><strong>Aperture</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="275"><strong>Comments</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="77" align="center">SEL30M35</td> <td width="84" align="center">30 mm</td> <td width="67" align="center">f/3.5</td> <td valign="top" width="275">Macro lens</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="77" align="center">SEL24F18Z</td> <td width="84" align="center">24 mm</td> <td width="67" align="center">f/1.8</td> <td valign="top" width="275">Carl Zeiss wide-angle lens with large aperture</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="77" align="center">SEL55210</td> <td width="84" align="center">55-210 mm</td> <td width="67" align="center">f/4.5-6.3</td> <td valign="top" width="275">Cheaper zoom lens</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="77" align="center">SEL50F18</td> <td width="84" align="center">50 mm</td> <td width="67" align="center">f/1.8</td> <td valign="top" width="275">Portrait lens with large aperture</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div> <p align="center"><em>Sony E mount lenses available in the U.S, U.K. and certain other countries, as of 7th May 2012</em></p> <p>&#160;</p> <p>If you ask us, the 50 mm lens and one of the 200 mm lenses should completely suffice for the needs of even high-end amateur photography. The photos and videos that we were able to shoot with just the in-box 18-55 mm lens were jaw-droppingly beautiful, and the thought of augmenting that photographic capability with better lenses gets us salivating.</p> <p>&#160;</p> <p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xcBlT_NG3oE/T6cN_5L3I9I/AAAAAAAAAaw/m38eoaZD2-A/s1600-h/DSC05236%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSC05236" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC05236" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ekBl4WAnfqg/T6cOAyVkMTI/AAAAAAAAAa4/C2K_hnP9bjQ/DSC05236%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="270" /></a></p> <p>The Sony Alpha NEX-5 is definite proof that the best things come in small packages. After handling and using a Nikon D60, a Nikon D90, and a Canon EOS 550D we can safely say that the compromises that have been made by Sony in terms of reduced functionality and options to tweak the settings are well worth it for the advantages in terms of smaller size, and easier-to-handle form factor. If you are using a standard point-and-shoot and want to move to something with dSLR-level photography capabilities and gorgeous video, definitely take a look at the Sony NEX-5. If, on the other hand, you are used to dSLR cameras and want to upgrade your current entry-level model, the simplified controls and the reduced set of available lenses may not suit your needs.</p> <p>This is not the best camera out there; but there is no doubt that the Sony NEX-5 offers incredible bang for the rupee. Once Sony India launches the 2011 NEX-series here, the new NEX-C3 and the new NEX-5n should be worthy buys, along with the new set of lenses which would accompany them. <br />&#160; <br /><em>Thanks to Pratheesh Cherayerumal for his contributions to this review.</em></p>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/05/sony-alpha-nex-5-2010-full-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-7900121890481841514Tue, 01 May 2012 12:14:00 +00002012-05-01T17:44:00.605+05:30Asia PacificconnectivityglobalIndiainternetmobilerankingspeedTRAIIndia has slowest Internet in Asia Pacific region, 114th globally<p align="center"><img title="State of the Internet - Asia Pacific region-wise map" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="State of the Internet - Asia Pacific region-wise map" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r6s8xdXuFGs/T5_PHN_QQFI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/-oxplU1F2XU/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520Asia%252520Pacific%252520region-wise%252520map%25255B139%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" height="330" /></p> <p>To completely destroy any delusions of grandeur that we may have about the state of Internet connectivity in India, Akamai has released its State of the Internet report for the 4th quarter of 2011. We’ve picked out the nuggets from the report for your perusal below. If you’ve ever wondered what was the average speed of Internet connectivity in India, or the average peak Internet speed in India, or even about the countries from which the most Internet attacks originate – and how India is placed in that list – you need to look no further. The tables below should suffice. If you like reading lengthy reports and you are starved for details on Internet connectivity worldwide, Akamai’s report is available at the source link at the end of this article.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p><strong>Attack Traffic</strong></p> <p>India places 9th in the list of top countries from which attack traffic originates. Reassuringly, attack traffic fell from 3.7% in the third quarter of 2011 to 3% in the 4th quarter, but this is one list that we want to be at the bottom of – not in the top ten.</p> <p align="center"><img title="State of the Internet - Attack traffic origins" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="State of the Internet - Attack traffic origins" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HYeMycdDAC8/T5_PIVe9eWI/AAAAAAAAAOY/VPiSOJt1qTs/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520Attack%252520traffic%252520origins%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="350" /></p> <p>&#160;</p> <p><strong>Average Connection Speed</strong></p> <p>With an average connection speed of 0.9 Mbps, India, as the title of this article states, places 114th globally as far as Internet connectivity speeds are concerned. Apparently, this is an 8.6% increase over the same quarter of the previous year, so we should be happy – but diving deeper into Akamai’s report, we find that the average connection speed in India has stayed at around the 800-900 Kbps range for the past four years (as long as Akamai has been collecting this data).</p> <p align="center"><img title="State of the Internet - Average Measured Connection Speed, Asia Pacific" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="State of the Internet - Average Measured Connection Speed, Asia Pacific" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-33mK4h9QOjM/T5_QlfuNn8I/AAAAAAAAAOg/DInCe4KBE8E/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520Average%252520Measured%252520Connection%252520Speed%25252C%252520Asia%252520Pacific%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="336" /></p> <p align="left">The Peak Connection Speed tablet below lists the maximum Internet speed capacities of the connections available in India, so this gives us a better understanding of the average Internet connection speed that individuals/organisations are opting for – 5.9 Mbps. So if the peak speed of your Internet connection is below 5.9 Mbps, your Internet connection speed is below the average peak connection speed for a broadband connection in India.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3isFA6LKUig/T5_QnLCC-JI/AAAAAAAAAOo/92Ko43_HMxg/s1600-h/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520Average%252520Peak%252520Connection%252520Speed%25252C%252520Asia%252520Pacific%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="State of the Internet - Average Peak Connection Speed, Asia Pacific" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="State of the Internet - Average Peak Connection Speed, Asia Pacific" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y45vRwMkr_w/T5_QoQuAaGI/AAAAAAAAAOw/LYNJn6p5lhM/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520Average%252520Peak%252520Connection%252520Speed%25252C%252520Asia%252520Pacific_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="362" /></a></p> <p>&#160;</p> <p><strong>Broadband Adoption</strong></p> <p>With just 8.4 percentage of the country’s Internet connections being above 2 Mbps, and only 0.5 % of the connections being above 5 Mbps speeds, broadband adoption in the country is low. Moreover, we have the unenviable distinction along with the Philippines of being the only two countries with less than 10% 2 Mbps connections and less than 1% 5 Mbps connections in the Asia Pacific region.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jLbsR_LGuHQ/T5_QqMN_PMI/AAAAAAAAAO4/VaV_Xbk29Co/s1600-h/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520Broadband%252520Connectivity%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="State of the Internet - Broadband Connectivity" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="State of the Internet - Broadband Connectivity" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--YjEOkYdY6A/T5_QrswRtcI/AAAAAAAAAPA/lX1oebRNt18/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520Broadband%252520Connectivity_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="374" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ziUnSKA6ios/T5_QtvvgVjI/AAAAAAAAAPI/mGmWuhd06hs/s1600-h/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520High%252520Broadband%252520Connectivity%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="State of the Internet - High Broadband Connectivity" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="State of the Internet - High Broadband Connectivity" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RzXD9aZFCLQ/T5_QvQhrRUI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/liw-IKUlULs/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520High%252520Broadband%252520Connectivity_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="336" /></a></p> <p>Obviously, having very low levels of broadband adoption conversely means that there’s plenty of people in the country with very slow connections. Globally, we’re the fifth largest country with Internet connections below 256 Kbps speed (incidentally, 256 Kbps is what TRAI defines as “broadband” in India). 27% of the Internet connections in our country are below this 256 Kbps connection speed. On the bright side, it’s nice to know that 73% of our country’s Internet connections are either 256 Kbps or higher speeds. If you must know, we take the top spot in the Asia Pacific region for the most percentage of below 256 Kbps connections.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4adFqGt0pJE/T5_QwlmNtAI/AAAAAAAAAPY/lAYncvg52I0/s1600-h/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520Narrowband%252520Connectivity%25252C%252520Slowest%252520Countries%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="State of the Internet - Narrowband Connectivity, Slowest Countries" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="State of the Internet - Narrowband Connectivity, Slowest Countries" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CRvf9EdfahM/T5_QzKJZzUI/AAAAAAAAAPg/zvXSjAfBq7E/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520Narrowband%252520Connectivity%25252C%252520Slowest%252520Countries_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="412" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EABGgKlecpo/T5_Q1an0XZI/AAAAAAAAAPo/3JKyw5uwVSY/s1600-h/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520Narrowband%252520Connectivity%25252C%252520Slowest%252520Asia%252520Pacific%252520Countries%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="State of the Internet - Narrowband Connectivity, Slowest Asia Pacific Countries" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="State of the Internet - Narrowband Connectivity, Slowest Asia Pacific Countries" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_k-5Q0lQsrQ/T5_Q3xmhGNI/AAAAAAAAAPw/Zws0wvwXJRo/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520Narrowband%252520Connectivity%25252C%252520Slowest%252520Asia%252520Pacific%252520Countries_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="350" /></a></p> <p>&#160;</p> <p><strong>Mobile Connectivity</strong></p> <p>The situation with mobile connectivity in India seems brighter, with the penetration of 3G for mobile phones and high-speed CDMA-based Internet devices. The average connection speed was over 1.5 Mbps, with the peak connection speed average well over 9 Mbps. However, with the rarity of legal music and video content for download in India and the high cost of mobile data traffic, we Indians apparently download an average of just over 200 MB each month.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0qlxmzqAyrw/T5_Q42GAxMI/AAAAAAAAAP4/4E-rSA2vAPQ/s1600-h/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520Average%252520Mobile%252520Connectivity%252520Data%25252C%252520India%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="State of the Internet - Average Mobile Connectivity Data, India" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="State of the Internet - Average Mobile Connectivity Data, India" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8Gg3YbwP00g/T5_Q6tZZxLI/AAAAAAAAAQA/2XJa26jgJhk/State%252520of%252520the%252520Internet%252520-%252520Average%252520Mobile%252520Connectivity%252520Data%25252C%252520India_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="93" /></a></p> <p>&#160;</p> <p>All these tables seem to paint India’s Internet connectivity abilities in a bad light, when compared to the rest of the world. We can only hope and pine for the day when India would top lists other than the attack traffic or the lowest Internet speeds lists.</p> <p align="left"><strong>Via:</strong> <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/5/1/2990469/average-global-internet-speed-drop-us" target="_blank">The Verge</a></p> <p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.akamai.com/stateoftheinternet" target="_blank">Akamai</a></p>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/05/india-has-slowest-internet-in-asia.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-6137436238448347385Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:02:00 +00002012-04-27T17:32:00.856+05:302 MP2.3 GingerbreadAndroidentry levelGalaxy PocketGalaxy YQVGAreleaseSamsungSamsung Galaxy Pocket S5300 - add 3 GB storage to the Galaxy Y and reduce screen size<p align="center"><img title="Samsung Galaxy Pocket, front" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Samsung Galaxy Pocket, front" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J2PylYp7gPM/T5pfioJggLI/AAAAAAAAAN8/8_ydjVrWkE8/Samsung%252520Galaxy%252520Pocket%25252C%252520front%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="118" height="207" />&#160; <img title="Samsung Galaxy Y" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Samsung Galaxy Y" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jnMi4ydJGLI/T5pfkWlU1zI/AAAAAAAAAOE/blDqHNXfrkM/GALAXY%252520Y%252520Product%252520Image%252520%2525281%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="208" /></p> <p>Can’t tell these two phones apart? Well, we’ve long-known that Samsung typically floods the market with varying phones of different sizes, shapes and specifications. The recently released Samsung Galaxy Pocket S5300 (pictured left, above). It ups the user-storage of the previously-released and widely-popular Samsung Galaxy Y’s (pictured right, above) ROM to 3 GB (without removing that oh-so-useful microSD card slot), reduces the capacitive screen size from 3 inches to 2.8 inches (keeping the 320 x 240 QVGA resolution) and halves the 3G data connectivity capability from 7.2 Mbps to 3.6 Mbps. And that’s about it since the rest of the specifications remain the same – the 832 Mhz single-core processor, the TouchWiz-painted Android 2.3 software and interface, the 2 MP fixed-focus camera at the rear, the usual suite of connectivity options such as Wi-Fi b/g/n with hotspot functionality, Bluetooth v3, A-GPS, etc. Even the physical dimensions have undergone only minor changes with the Galaxy Pocket weighing less by half a gram, but adding slightly more than just 2 cc to its volume. Price seems to have lowered a few hundred rupees for the Galaxy Pocket to under Rs. 7,000/-</p> <p>We definitely think that if you want an entry-level Android smartphone with decent storage, the Galaxy Pocket would be a worth a look. However, when smartphones with 1 Ghz processors and WVGA (800 x 480) or FWVGA (854 x 480) screens have become mid-range, we definitely expect atleast an HVGA (480 x 320) screen on such a device to make it a truly worthy buy.</p> <p><strong>Source:</strong> Samsung Mobile (<a href="http://www.samsungmobilepress.com/2012/03/07/GALAXY-Pocket" target="_blank">Galaxy Pocket</a>, <a href="http://www.samsungmobilepress.com/2011/08/22/GALAXY-Y" target="_blank">Galaxy Y</a>)</p> <a name='more'></a>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/04/samsung-galaxy-pocket-s5300-add-3-gb.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-7648961748643475166Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:21:00 +00002012-04-27T13:51:02.951+05:301 MWcanal-topclean energyGujaratinaugurateMehsanaNarendra Modipower parksolarworld's firstCanal-top solar power plant enables simultaneous harvesting of “jal and urja shakti”<p align="center"><img title="1MW canal-top solar power plant, Mehsana, Gujarat" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1MW canal-top solar power plant, Mehsana, Gujarat" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FpdQDWodGCc/T5pWWoCqvqI/AAAAAAAAANw/fQVdIhaT2U8/photo%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="333" /></p> <p align="center"><em>Image credit: </em><a href="http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-04-25/news/31399189_1_gujarat-solar-park-solar-project-solar-power" target="_blank"><em>Economic Times</em></a></p> <p>It was big news about a week back that Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, inaugurated Asia’s largest solar power generation plant – the Gujarat Solar Park, in Patan district of Gujarat. It has a total capacity of generating 600 MW with current generation capacity at 214 MW. It also uses up 3000 acres of waste land near the Rann of Kutch. What is perhaps, not so widely known, is that Modi also inaugurated a relatively tiny 1MW-generating solar power plant at Chandrasan in the Mehsana district of Gujarat, a few days after the Gujarat Solar Park. As the above image indicates, what sets this plant apart is the fact that it is built over a portion of the Narmada canal network. Apparently, this has twofold benefits – the solar panels are in a relatively cooler state due to the flowing water beneath, and the amount of water lost from the canal network due to evaporation is reduced. The cooler temperatures of the solar panels in this project enable them to be 15% more efficient than elsewhere. This also foregoes the need for the Government to procure the land needed to build the solar power plant. Modi termed it as an effective combination of “jal and urja shakti” (which we take to mean <em>water and sun power</em>). It definitely sounds like a win-win for everybody, but with 1 MW of power generation, there is a long way to go before such ideas and projects become the standard course of operation for India. If you know of any such ground-breaking clean-energy projects, small or big, that are underway in India, feel free to <a href="http://www.theindiangeek.com/p/contact-us_11.html" target="_blank">let us know</a>.</p> <p><strong>Source:</strong> Economic Times (<a href="http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-04-25/news/31399189_1_gujarat-solar-park-solar-project-solar-power" target="_blank">1</a>, <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/12730580.cms" target="_blank">2</a>)</p> <a name='more'></a>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/04/canal-top-solar-power-plant-enables.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-2061571203763413306Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:20:00 +00002012-04-26T16:50:06.765+05:30above 30kAppleBlackBerry 9900buying guideGalaxy Notehigh-endHTCiPhone 4SOne XOur RecommendsRIMSamsungsmartphonesSonyXperia SOur Recommends: The best smartphones above 30k<p><em>Our Recommends was launched as our view of the best technology out there in the Indian market. The first article looked at <a href="http://www.theindiangeek.com/2010/11/our-recommends-smartphones.html" target="_blank">smartphones</a> as a whole.</em></p> <p align="center"><img title="Our Recommends - Smartphones above 30k" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Our Recommends - Smartphones above 30k" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QYsK4DBE1pc/T5kuQK43WcI/AAAAAAAAB0k/CFyau2jAuO4/Our%252520Recommends%252520-%252520Smartphones%252520above%25252030k%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="144" /><em></em></p> <p>As Indians, we generally tend to look towards value purchases. A phone, to be used for calls and text messages, shouldn’t cost too much. However, there are some amongst us who like to boast of owning the best available smartphone that money can buy. Or the best camera. Or the best processor. For such lofty-minded individuals, <em>The Indian Geek</em> would like to present our own comparison chart of the best smartphones above Rs. 30,000 from each manufacturer who has phone above Rs. 30,000. This comparison chart has smartphones with different mobile phone Operating Systems; you would need to choose the perfect smartphone for you based on your own needs and requirements; but if you have more than 30k to splurge on a phone, then this comparison chart is worth a look.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Some pointers before we go into the comparison:</p> <ul> <li>The “best” smartphones above 30k indicates that this chart details the best smartphones from each manufacturer who has smartphones available for more than Rs. 30,000/- in the Indian market at the time of writing this article </li> <li>Prices, features, specifications available here are quoted to the best of our knowledge; certain errors may be present </li> <li>The prices we looked at were a combination of three online stores – Flipkart, Letsbuy and Saholic – and our friendly neighbourhood mobile phone retail outlets. We have used the cheapest available prices; so some phones, such as the LG Optimus 3D P920 does not feature in this chart simply because it is available for less than Rs. 30,000/- elsewhere. </li> <li>Apple’s offering is unique in having three options with the only difference being the available storage; hence, we listed all three options in the chart since they have the same features and functionality, apart from the storage </li> <li>Since we looked only at phones available officially in India, certain companies are missing from the list, since their high-end smartphones above the 30k price are not officially released/available in India (such as Motorola or LG). </li> <li>This chart represents available information at its time of conception – April 2012. There are new high-end launches expected some time this year from LG, Motorola, Samsung and BlackBerry-maker RIM; you may keep an eye out for them. </li> <li>The list of manufacturers, from left to right, is according to alphabetical order with no preference or priority to any single manufacturer. </li> </ul> <div align="center"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" width="579" align="center" border="1"><tbody> <tr> <td width="65" align="center">&#160;</td> <td width="108" align="center"><strong>Apple</strong></td> <td width="138" align="center"><strong>HTC</strong></td> <td width="89" align="center"><strong>RIM</strong></td> <td width="91" align="center"><strong>Samsung</strong></td> <td width="86" align="center"><strong>Sony</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="66" align="center"><strong>Phone</strong></td> <td valign="bottom" width="108" align="center">iPhone 4S</td> <td valign="bottom" width="137" align="center">One X</td> <td valign="bottom" width="89" align="center">BlackBerry Bold 9900</td> <td valign="bottom" width="91" align="center">Galaxy Note N7000</td> <td valign="bottom" width="86" align="center">Xperia S</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="67" align="center">&#160;</td> <td valign="bottom" width="108" align="center"><img title="Apple iPhone 4S" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Apple iPhone 4S" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m_HFwkpgNX8/T5kuRAKe0SI/AAAAAAAAB0s/oc4AQ92xdDg/Apple%252520iPhone%2525204S%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="44" height="86" /></td> <td valign="bottom" width="137" align="center"> <br /><img title="HTC One X" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="HTC One X" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QDxnHjV0Tug/T5kuR4UjoXI/AAAAAAAAB00/4sbGaSJa5F8/HTC%252520One%252520X%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="52" height="99" /></td> <td valign="bottom" width="89" align="center"><img title="RIM BlackBerry Bold 9900" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="RIM BlackBerry Bold 9900" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-27FrranvWBI/T5kuTN41nLI/AAAAAAAAB08/LEC3NbX6l6I/RIM%252520BlackBerry%252520Bold%2525209900%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="49" height="86" /></td> <td valign="bottom" width="91" align="center"><img title="Samsung Galaxy Note" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Samsung Galaxy Note" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sI7mkGL-Kd4/T5kuUWDN3SI/AAAAAAAAB1E/LXWjrBO3dao/Samsung%252520Galaxy%252520Note%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="63" height="110" /></td> <td valign="bottom" width="86" align="center"><img title="Sony Xperia S" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sony Xperia S" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FFlYvv1HNz8/T5kuVPJkRhI/AAAAAAAAB1M/Xjq0BZNS2Rk/Sony%252520Xperia%252520S%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="47" height="92" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="68" align="center"><strong>Cost</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">Rs. 42,700 <br />Rs. 49,100 <br />Rs. 57,500</td> <td width="138" align="center">Rs. 36,100</td> <td width="89" align="center">Rs. 31,900</td> <td width="89" align="center">Rs. 32,400</td> <td width="86" align="center">Rs. 31,000</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Platform</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">iOS 5</td> <td width="137" align="center">Android 4</td> <td width="89" align="center">BlackBerry OS 7</td> <td width="89" align="center">Android 2.3</td> <td width="86" align="center">Android 2.3</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>SIM</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">micro SIM</td> <td width="137" align="center">micro SIM</td> <td width="89" align="center">SIM</td> <td width="89" align="center">SIM</td> <td width="86" align="center">micro SIM</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Processor</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">1 Ghz dual core</td> <td width="137" align="center">1.5 Ghz quad core</td> <td width="89" align="center">1.2 Ghz single core</td> <td width="89" align="center">1.4 Ghz dual core</td> <td width="86" align="center">1.5 Ghz dual core</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>RAM</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">512 MB</td> <td width="137" align="center">1 GB</td> <td width="89" align="center">768 MB</td> <td width="89" align="center">1 GB</td> <td width="86" align="center">1 GB</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Storage</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">16 GB <br />32 GB <br />64 GB</td> <td width="137" align="center">32 GB</td> <td width="89" align="center">8 GB</td> <td width="89" align="center">16 GB</td> <td width="86" align="center">32 GB</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Memory Card</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">No</td> <td width="137" align="center">No</td> <td width="89" align="center">Yes, upto 32 GB</td> <td width="89" align="center">Yes, upto 32 GB</td> <td width="86" align="center">No</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Display</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">IPS LCD</td> <td width="137" align="center">Super LCD 2</td> <td width="89" align="center">LCD</td> <td width="89" align="center">Super AMOLED</td> <td width="86" align="center">Reality Display, LCD</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Screen Size</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">3.5 inch</td> <td width="137" align="center">4.7 inch</td> <td width="89" align="center">2.8 inch</td> <td width="89" align="center">5.3 inch</td> <td width="86" align="center">4.3 inch</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Resolution</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">960 x 640</td> <td width="137" align="center">1280 x 720</td> <td width="89" align="center">640 x 480</td> <td width="89" align="center">1280 x 800</td> <td width="86" align="center">1280 x 720</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Cameras (R/F)</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">8 MP / 1.3 MP</td> <td width="137" align="center">8 MP / 1.3 MP</td> <td width="89" align="center">5 MP / No</td> <td width="89" align="center">8 MP / 2 MP</td> <td width="86" align="center">12 MP / 1.3 MP</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Video</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">1080p</td> <td width="137" align="center">1080p</td> <td width="89" align="center">720p</td> <td width="89" align="center">1080p</td> <td width="86" align="center">1080p</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Battery</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">1432 mAh</td> <td width="137" align="center">1800 mAh</td> <td width="89" align="center">1230 mAh</td> <td width="89" align="center">2500 mAh</td> <td width="86" align="center">1750 mAh</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>3G (Down/Up)</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">14.4 Mbps / 5.8 Mbps</td> <td width="137" align="center">21 Mbps / 5.76 Mbps</td> <td width="89" align="center">14.4 Mbps / 5.76 Mbps</td> <td width="89" align="center">21 Mbps / 5.76 Mbps</td> <td width="86" align="center">14.4 Mbps / 5.8 Mbps</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Wi-Fi</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">Yes, b/g/n</td> <td width="137" align="center">Yes, a/b/g/n</td> <td width="89" align="center">Yes, b/g/n</td> <td width="89" align="center">Yes, a/b/g/n <br />Wi-Fi Direct</td> <td width="86" align="center">Yes, b/g/n <br />Wi-Fi Direct</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Bluetooth</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">v 4.0</td> <td width="137" align="center">v 4.0</td> <td width="89" align="center">v 2.1</td> <td width="89" align="center">v 3.0</td> <td width="86" align="center">v 2.1</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>3.5 mm audio</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">Yes</td> <td width="137" align="center">Yes</td> <td width="89" align="center">Yes</td> <td width="89" align="center">Yes</td> <td width="86" align="center">Yes</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>GPS</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">A-GPS</td> <td width="137" align="center">A-GPS</td> <td width="89" align="center">A-GPS</td> <td width="89" align="center">A-GPS</td> <td width="86" align="center">A-GPS, <br />Glonass</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>HDMI out</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">Via separate proprietary adapter</td> <td width="137" align="center">Via separate USB adapter</td> <td width="89" align="center">No</td> <td width="89" align="center">Via separate USB adapter</td> <td width="86" align="center">Via separate mini HDMI adapter</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>USB</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">Via proprietary 30-pin connector</td> <td width="137" align="center">micro USB</td> <td width="89" align="center">micro USB</td> <td width="89" align="center">micro USB, USB on-the-go</td> <td width="86" align="center">micro USB</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>NFC</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">No</td> <td width="137" align="center">Yes</td> <td width="89" align="center">No</td> <td width="89" align="center">No</td> <td width="86" align="center">Yes</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Wi-Fi hotspot</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">Yes</td> <td width="137" align="center">Yes</td> <td width="89" align="center">Yes</td> <td width="89" align="center">Yes</td> <td width="86" align="center">Yes</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Weight</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">140 g</td> <td width="137" align="center">130 g</td> <td width="89" align="center">130 g</td> <td width="89" align="center">178 g</td> <td width="86" align="center">144 g</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="69" align="center"><strong>Other features</strong></td> <td width="108" align="center">Siri – intuitive voice control</td> <td width="142" align="center">HTC Sense 4 User Interface</td> <td width="93" align="center">Backlit QWERTY keyboard, Optical Trackpad, 1.5 year warranty</td> <td width="94" align="center">TouchWiz V4.0, S-Pen, S-Memo</td> <td width="90" align="center">Timescape UI, planned upgrade to Android 4</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/04/our-recommends-best-smartphones-above.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-7130386782109838234Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:39:00 +00002012-04-26T11:14:45.248+05:30Asha 200Asha 303BelleBlackberryCurve 9220E6entry levelfeature phoneNokiaOS 7QWERTYRIMSeries 40 AshaspecificationsSymbiantouchscreenNokia’s cheapest QWERTY phone – the Nokia Asha 200<p align="center"><img title="Nokia Asha 200, Black" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Nokia Asha 200, Black" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ozn0mTMAJFM/T5jek3MEr6I/AAAAAAAAAM0/a4RrL63Hpd4/700-nokia-asha-200_07%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="408" /></p> <p>The launch of RIM’s <a href="http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/04/rims-cheapest-blackberry-with-bb-os-7.html" target="_blank">cheapest BlackBerry running OS 7, the Curve 9220</a>, at a price above Rs. 10,000/- made us look towards the mainstay in the feature phone market – Nokia. What is the cheapest QWERTY-phone that Nokia has to offer currently? Quite a while back, <a href="http://www.theindiangeek.com/2011/02/nokia-x2-01-cheapest-qwerty-phone-from.html" target="_blank">it was the Nokia X2-01</a>. We were thrilled and surprised at the launch price. The Nokia Asha 200 isn’t very different; it has similar specifications with the updates Series 40 Asha interface. We should note that if you’re planning to compare the recently launched BlackBerry Curve 9220 with the Nokia Asha 200, you shouldn’t. The BlackBerry runs a full-fledged smartphone Operating System – the BlackBerry OS 7.1, while the Nokia Asha 200 runs a feature phone Operating System – the Series 40 Asha. The Asha 200 is priced at around Rs. 4,000/- It comes with dual-standby dual-SIM, a 2MP rear camera, no Wi-Fi or 3G, QWERTY keyboard, and a standard 320 x 240 display. If you’re looking for more features in your QWERTY phone and you want to stick to Nokia, the Asha 303 is available for south of Rs. 8,000/- with the same Series 40 Asha OS and touchscreen included, while the Nokia E6 has some pretty stellar specs for about Rs. 17,000/- as it runs the full-fledged smartphone OS, Symbian Belle.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ftcHBg2idfM/T5jemJLRl9I/AAAAAAAAAM8/wTdNvhvKMeo/s1600-h/700-nokia-asha-200_07%25255B12%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Nokia Asha 200, Black" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Nokia Asha 200, Black" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s_jx4VvB8lo/T5jenW5qrkI/AAAAAAAAANE/9AQkTRKb9oM/700-nokia-asha-200_07_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="90" height="90" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d00qSTv5rlM/T5jeoW1TAoI/AAAAAAAAANM/XE32dBd8QGM/s1600-h/700-nokia-asha-200_11%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Nokia Asha 200, Pink" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Nokia Asha 200, Pink" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VwAc73SATOk/T5jepZOlRpI/AAAAAAAAANU/Yla56D1Ap-I/700-nokia-asha-200_11_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="90" height="90" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wNLUrYfkSd4/T5jeqqldb3I/AAAAAAAAANc/_sE9dMvpIVE/s1600-h/700-nokia-asha-200_03%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Nokia Asha 200, Pink" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Nokia Asha 200, Pink" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R3Ge4ER_ajs/T5jerksshdI/AAAAAAAAANk/NEMXp5a3FxA/700-nokia-asha-200_03_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="90" height="90" /></a></p> <p><strong>Specifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Multi-SIM: Dual SIM (dual standby) with personalization of settings for upto five SIMs</li> <li>Display: 2.4 inch, 320 x 240 resolution display</li> <li>RAM: 32 MB</li> <li>User storage memory: 10 MB</li> <li>Expansion memory: Upto 32 GB via microSD card (hot swappable)</li> <li>Connectivity: 2 mm Nokia charger, microUSB, GPRS/EDGE, 3.5 mm Nokia headset port, Bluetooth v2.1, FM radio</li> <li>Battery life: Up to 7 hours talk time, 36 hours standby, 52 hours music playback (as quoted by Nokia)</li> </ul> <p>So, would you be buying this phone? Somehow, we still prefer a Nokia to a low-end QWERTY phone from Micromax or Karbonn or any of the other newer players in the market. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.</p> <p><strong>Update:</strong> We forgot to mention the previous-generation series of Nokia QWERTY handsets - the X2-01, the C3-00 and the E5-00 which still seem to be available for around Rs. 3,600/-, Rs. 6,500/- and Rs. 9,300/- respectively. The X2-01 and the C3-00 are feature phones running Series 40, while the E5-00 is a full-fledged smartphone running a very old version of Symbian Series 60 - Version 3.</p> <p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.nokia.com/in-en/products/phone/200" target="_blank">Nokia India</a>, <a href="http://press.nokia.com/2011/10/26/nokia-showcases-bold-portfolio-of-new-phones-services-and-accessories-at-nokia-world/" target="_blank">Press Release</a>, <a href="http://press.nokia.com/wp-content/uploads/mediaplugin/doc/nokia-asha-200-data-sheet.pdf" target="_blank">Data Sheet (PDF)</a></p>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/04/nokias-cheapest-qwerty-phone-nokia-asha.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-1053803722280056598Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:25:00 +00002012-04-25T16:55:01.177+05:30AndroidBlackberrybudgetiOSlaunchmid-rangeOS 7releaseRIMsmartphonesspecificationsRIM’s cheapest BlackBerry with BB OS 7 launched in India as the Curve 9220; free apps provided too<p align="center"><img title="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5Dc251YjRCE/T5b9oioZxAI/AAAAAAAAALM/EQQbsdRo-g0/9220Curve_black_ENG_Gen_FrontNoShadow%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="480" /></p> <p>Since we <a href="http://www.theindiangeek.com/2011/01/attention-tech-giants-india-is-good.html" target="_blank">ranted about tech companies not putting India first</a>, we are encouraged to see companies like Intel take India seriously with an <a href="http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/04/xolo-x900-launching-on-23rd-april-from.html" target="_blank">India-first launch of the XOLO X900</a> recently. BlackBerry-maker RIM joins the crowd now, with the launch of the Curve 9220 last week. Touted as the company’s <em>cheapest</em> phone with the BlackBerry OS 7, it has been quoted as carrying a retail price tag of Rs. 10,990/- To entice prospective buyers, RIM is throwing in free apps “from BlackBerry App World worth 2500”. Apparently, these free apps would be provided over time. Follow us past the “Read more” link for full details.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Since RIM states that this phone is aimed for users new to the BlackBerry platform, the specifications list is not something stellar. While we know that specifications (such as RAM, processor speed, etc.) alone cannot make a phone great or small, we usually tend to look at the overall usability and functionality of the phone with respect to the competition. Having used the BlackBerry OS, we can say that the usability, seamless integration with online services and third-party app-availability is well below the competing iOS, Android or Windows Phone mobile Operating Systems. When Android phones such as the Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini with excellent internals – including the class-leading 720p recording rear camera – are available for roughly Rs. 1,000/- more, the new BlackBerry Curve 9220 becomes hard to recommend. For what it’s worth, if you’re a hardcore BlackBerry phone, and desperately want a BlackBerry with OS 7, and you don’t want to spend too much - this may be the device for you. However, with a 2 MP rear camera and without 3G, this smartphone seems like a tough sell for anyone.</p> <p><strong>Specifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Software: BlackBerry OS 7.1</li> <li>Processor: 800 Mhz</li> <li>RAM: 512 MB</li> <li>ROM: 512 MB</li> <li>Screen: 2.44 inch LCD, with QVGA (320 x 240) resolution</li> <li>Rear camera: 2 megapixel</li> <li>Connectivity: GPRS/EDGE, Wi-Fi b/g/n, micro USB, micro SDHC (upto 32 GB), 3.5 mm audio jack</li> </ul> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S9ApgpeB5RM/T5b9p601GHI/AAAAAAAAALQ/B7lYLe0a7qA/s1600-h/9220Curve_black_ENG_Gen_AdAngle%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z2n44Z1LCYU/T5b9rT4EG-I/AAAAAAAAALc/VFRvpw5EBgw/9220Curve_black_ENG_Gen_AdAngle_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="90" height="72" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2mZK7X_kYcw/T5b9tEwp-HI/AAAAAAAAALk/V4jokAL-opA/s1600-h/9220Curve_black_ENG_Gen_Front%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0-OejzlXyI4/T5b9u1rtLoI/AAAAAAAAALs/4karUSzwHQY/9220Curve_black_ENG_Gen_Front_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="90" height="72" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0iv4JuZrEwo/T5b9wWRZo_I/AAAAAAAAAL0/7cDosaQ4i6I/s1600-h/9220Curve_black_ENG_Gen_FrontNoShadow%25255B16%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IJm21qtTzZM/T5b9yLsUetI/AAAAAAAAAL8/VWH9zkJdpgY/9220Curve_black_ENG_Gen_FrontNoShadow_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="90" height="72" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RUzu24TCPb8/T5b9z_HZixI/AAAAAAAAAME/Ewk6K0P3jQQ/s1600-h/9220Curve_black_ENG_Gen_SideAngleLeft%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pP-JfpPz_Zc/T5b915qeaSI/AAAAAAAAAMM/rn7FeldkoKg/9220Curve_black_ENG_Gen_SideAngleLeft_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="90" height="72" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I_zg64t7WAc/T5b93ijENeI/AAAAAAAAAMU/sA2xKgWg3xE/s1600-h/9220Curve_black_ENG_Gen_SideAngleRight%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XEpR3v-DOEE/T5b95LIKHLI/AAAAAAAAAMc/VEFUUjbSmng/9220Curve_black_ENG_Gen_SideAngleRight_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="90" height="72" /></a>&#160;<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LvR6qTGtmNY/T5b963qe_EI/AAAAAAAAAMk/Fh1ToQzW-i8/s1600-h/9220Curve_black_ENG_Gen_TopAngle%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="BlackBerry Curve 9220, by RIM" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CfEs-f5vvVw/T5b98Ao4pnI/AAAAAAAAAMs/RQVSpmdj0lk/9220Curve_black_ENG_Gen_TopAngle_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="90" height="72" /></a></p> <p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://press.rim.com/release.jsp?id=5759" target="_blank">RIM</a></p>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/04/rims-cheapest-blackberry-with-bb-os-7.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-4681951502576912902Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:14:00 +00002012-04-25T11:44:00.228+05:30filmJust For FunLegoorgan barrelpromotionStar WarstechnologyvideoJust For Fun: 20,000-piece Lego organ barrel plays the Star Wars theme on a keyboard<p><em>Just For Fun is a series that showcases some fun use that technology has been put to.</em></p> <p align="center"><img title="20,000-piece Lego organ barrel plays the Star Wars theme on a keyboard" alt="20,000-piece Lego organ barrel plays the Star Wars theme on a keyboard" src="http://www.serviceplan.com/typo3temp/pics/e604344a62.jpg" width="480" height="318" /></p> <p>To promote the 3D release of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, this Lego organ barrel was created with 20,000 pieces from various Star Wars-themed Lego sets being sold to promote the film. This organ barrel is hand-cranked, and the pieces have been arranged perfectly on the barrel so that they plonk out the notes of the main theme for Star Wars on a keyboard placed nearby. The report notes that the Herculean task of building this gigantic organ barrel was undertaken by professional Lego builders. It’s not something you create while playing around with Lego bricks. Take a look at the source links below for full details, and <a href="http://www.theindiangeek.com/p/contact-us_11.html" target="_blank">let us know</a> if you come across any such <em>fun</em> technology.</p> <p><strong>Via:</strong> <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/15/2948121/star-wars-lego-organ-barrel-theme-music" target="_blank">The Verge</a></p> <p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.serviceplan.com/en/press/press-releases/press-release.html?tx_sppresse_pi1%5BpressID%5D=6385&amp;cHash=efbf9c8a7aba671c2e94aaa8bc56523b" target="_blank">Serviceplan group</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LWEohTQ930" target="_blank">Promotional video</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwZsnmpKXGQ" target="_blank">“Making of” video</a></p> <a name='more'></a>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/04/just-for-fun-20000-piece-lego-organ.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-65635257572251823Mon, 23 Apr 2012 07:36:00 +00002012-04-23T21:18:15.165+05:30dSLR. cameraexposurefestivalfireworksfocushow tolightsmanualphotographysettingsshutterstarsFirework Photography - How to capture the beauty of fireworks with your camera<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center"><img alt="Fireworks, by Shreenivasan Manievannan" border="0" by="" fireworks,="" manievannan"="" shreenivasan="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yMEWiDisIyw/T5MfecD-P4I/AAAAAAAAABk/r-pOaqotO78/s1600/DSC_9440.jpg" title="=" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Thanks to Shreenivasan Manievannan for sharing this photo with us</i></span></div><br />Fireworks are some things that Indians are very familiar with. With so many festivals, we really are in no shortage of these pyrotechnic pleasures. We’re sure that many of us have wished we could capture such beautiful moments with our semi-professional dSLR cameras, only to find that the pictures we click are nothing like what we’ve seen online. In this article, The Indian Geek would like to outline a few pointers on how to capture the beauty of fireworks. While usually only dSLR cameras will allow you to manually choose these settings, a lot of midrange cameras (such as super-zoom point-and-shoot cameras) may be capable of selecting some or all of the necessary settings.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>Flash off</b><br />First thing to do is turn off your flash. Flashes on cameras are usually effective only up to a distance of 3-4 meters. The light will not reach anything beyond that. Furthermore, your flash is meant for illuminating dark scenes. Fireworks are plenty bright themselves and don’t need additional lighting.<br /><br /><b>Long Exposure</b><br />The beauty of fireworks is in the motion of sparks. The sparks flying in different direction forming patterns is what we need to capture. The camera needs to see the sparks as they move over a period of time; not just at a single instant. For this, we need to increase the amount of time the shutter needs to be open.<br /><br />Fortunately most firework shows are at night. So if you point your camera to a black night’s sky, even if you keep the shutter open for several seconds, your camera is not going to capture anything other than the bright fireworks. This gives you a lot of flexibility with your shutter time. Holding the shutter open for another few seconds will probably not overexpose the photo. Using a manual BULB shutter setting (the shutter will stay open as long as you keep the shutter button pressed) is ideal. You can choose when to open and close your shutter depending on how much of the current firework you want to capture.<br /><br /><b>A Steady Camera</b><br />To capture fireworks you need to keep the shutter open for several seconds. To ensure a good quality photograph, the camera should not move when the shutter is open. So you will need to have a tripod or some other kind of stand to keep the camera stationary for the duration of the photograph. If you can, get a remote shutter trigger as well. That way you will not have to even touch your camera to click the photograph, thereby minimizing the possibility of camera shake.<br /><br /><b>Low ISO</b><br />Always manually set the camera to the lowest possible ISO value to keep noise to a minimum. If you leave it in auto, the camera will look at the dark sky and increase the ISO, which will cause a lot of noise and possibly, a not-so-black night sky which would ruin the photograph.<br /><br /><b>Small Aperture</b><br />Use a small aperture to make the photos sharp, but not too small since you need at least some amount of light to get through. In most cases if you set the ISO to 100, an aperture of f/8-f/13 should result in desirable photographs, but you can definitely try fiddling around with this setting to see the different varied outputs that can be produced.<br /><br /><b>Focusing</b>If you set you your camera to autofocus, it will look for something to focus on every time you take a picture. This will not work with fireworks because not only does auto focusing take time, most cameras will not be able to lock autofocus in the dark conditions prevalent during fireworks’ display. You may also want open the shutter even before the firework is set off. The best solution is to set the camera on autofocus for the first firework. Once it's on it, set the camera to manual focus and leave it as it is. As long as you don't move your camera, the fireworks will be in focus.<br /><br /><b>Location, location, location</b><br />This depends on a lot of factors and also your taste. Find a good spot where you will get an unobstructed view of the fireworks, with no bright lights in the background. This may take some preplanning and research. Adding a horizon or landscape to the photo may also work well.<br /><br />Photographing fireworks would take several efforts, based on trial and error, before good photographs are obtained consistently. There is no specific setting that will work all the time. It depends on lighting, distance, camera, settings and also on exactly what you want to capture. So the next time there’s a festival in your town, find a good spot, setup your equipment and keep these pointers in mind; we’re sure you’ll start capturing the pyrotechnic magic.<br /><br />Below, we provide a few examples of photographs with accompanying pointers to keep in mind.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQIb7Gd2Ys4/T5UCuU4hWaI/AAAAAAAAAKE/r7WPxaqyLA0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Firework photography - Shutter open too short" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQIb7Gd2Ys4/T5UCuU4hWaI/AAAAAAAAAKE/r7WPxaqyLA0/s1600/1.jpg" title="Firework photography - Shutter open too short" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">If the shutter is not open long enough, you will not capture the sparks' motion</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLAxCs7PZJo/T5UCvr9zHfI/AAAAAAAAAKM/h2HwKUUqQNk/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Firework photography - Shutter open for too long" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLAxCs7PZJo/T5UCvr9zHfI/AAAAAAAAAKM/h2HwKUUqQNk/s1600/2.jpg" title="Firework photography - Shutter open for too long" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">If the shutter is open too long, you will capture too many sparks making the picture a mess</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPrmfpKzklM/T5UCwsPvieI/AAAAAAAAAKU/pbsJPcaYFX8/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Firework photography - Capturing full light trails" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPrmfpKzklM/T5UCwsPvieI/AAAAAAAAAKU/pbsJPcaYFX8/s1600/3.jpg" title="Firework photography - Capturing full light trails" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes, you will want to capture the entire firework trails</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xp7LOwyKod8/T5UCxi_JgEI/AAAAAAAAAKc/gDebvxZ0R5U/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Firework photography - Capturing partial light trails" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xp7LOwyKod8/T5UCxi_JgEI/AAAAAAAAAKc/gDebvxZ0R5U/s1600/4.jpg" title="Firework photography - Capturing partial light trails" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes, you will want to capture partial firework trails</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Onj5lQEaP8/T5UCzNkjd7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/qsTZftcHUY8/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Firework photography - Long exposure, cool light effects" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Onj5lQEaP8/T5UCzNkjd7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/qsTZftcHUY8/s1600/5.jpg" title="Firework photography - Long exposure, cool light effects" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A long exposure can capture some cool effects and colours that you would not notice in real life</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSW-zdpH4Uk/T5UC09DXTyI/AAAAAAAAAKs/1_Bllb3xwwk/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Firework photography - Good image" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSW-zdpH4Uk/T5UC09DXTyI/AAAAAAAAAKs/1_Bllb3xwwk/s1600/6.jpg" title="Firework photography - Good image" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">All the pointers in this article can be used to capture any moving&nbsp;light sources&nbsp;in the dark. Automobile&nbsp;headlamps in motion are pretty similar to fire work sparks and can be captured similarly, as shown below.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZkds9Rv9j8/T5UC21sLJPI/AAAAAAAAAK0/h2Yn26Zx5XY/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZkds9Rv9j8/T5UC21sLJPI/AAAAAAAAAK0/h2Yn26Zx5XY/s1600/7.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbFRYdXkWmE/T5UC4B0CoVI/AAAAAAAAAK8/Jvoq9nOQFwA/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbFRYdXkWmE/T5UC4B0CoVI/AAAAAAAAAK8/Jvoq9nOQFwA/s1600/8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uam9Kqvyrq0/T5UC5B7PrXI/AAAAAAAAALE/mtxY6nF5-WI/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uam9Kqvyrq0/T5UC5B7PrXI/AAAAAAAAALE/mtxY6nF5-WI/s1600/9.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stars are also moving light sources. But to capture them, the shutter has to remain open for several minutes or even hours.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UeGKNbzjjs/T5MdAsIRrJI/AAAAAAAAABc/O0M5wMCg_lY/s1600/DSC_9454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UeGKNbzjjs/T5MdAsIRrJI/AAAAAAAAABc/O0M5wMCg_lY/s1600/DSC_9454.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thanks to Shreenivasan Manievannan for sharing this photo with us</span></div><br /><br />If you have any technique that you use, or some photographs that you have clicked to share with us, feel free to use the <i>Comments</i> section below.</div></div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/04/firework-photography-how-to-capture.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Josh)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5516163322120171861.post-1729407577535407161Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:38:00 +00002012-04-21T17:08:00.585+05:30blockcallsGovernmentguidelineshow tolandlinemobilepolicySMStelecomtelephoneTRAIunsolicitedHow to block unsolicited telemarketing calls and SMS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center"><img alt="TRAI logo" border="0" height="71" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PDC_eJ9Bmlc/T5KbYDTlpxI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/FEDGjEVPG-g/TRAI%252520logo%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="TRAI logo" width="480" /></div>If you still get unsolicited calls and SMS messages from telemarketers, we thought we’d take the time to provide the exact steps to block these unwanted calls. Having said that, please note that not all companies that make unsolicited calls or send unsolicited SMS messages have registered as telemarketers with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. If they make calls using your phone number obtained through other sources (apart from your mobile service provider), there is not much you can do other than to drag the party into court for telemarketing without registration. Even then, we’re not sure how consumer laws in our country apply to such situations. Anyway, as they say, something is better than nothing, and so, following the steps outlined here (if you wish) should block registered telemarketers from disturbing your peace.<br />(As per TRAI’s guidelines, this applies to landline and mobile numbers)<br /> <a name='more'></a><ol><li>Call or send an SMS to 1909 (toll free) to register.</li><li>Select the Fully Blocked or the Partially Blocked categories. Via SMS, you would need to SMS <em>START 0</em> to register in the fully blocked category. For partially blocking telemarketers (based on seven categories: Banking/Insurance/Financial Products/Credit Cards-1, Real Estate-2, Education-3, Health-4, Consumer goods and automobiles-5, Communication/Broadcasting/Entertainment/IT-6, Tourism-7), you would need to SMS <em>START 1,4,5</em> if you wish to continue to receive calls and SMS from telemarketers in the categories 1,4,5 – calls and SMS from telemarketers in all other categories would be blocked.</li><li>On successful registration, a Unique Registration Number would be sent to your phone within 24 hours.</li><li>If all goes well, within 7 days, your request would be completely activated. You can check the status using the <a href="http://www.nccptrai.gov.in/nccpregistry/search.misc" target="_blank">Customer Registration Status</a> link.</li><li>If unsolicited calls or SMS is received even after successful registration of your request within 7 days, you have the option to log a complaint with your service provider by calling or sending and SMS message to the same 1909 number within 3 days of the unsolicited call/SMS. Via SMS, the complaint would need to be sent as follows: <em>COMP TEL NO XXXXXXXXXX;dd/mm/yy;Time in hh:mm; short description of Unsolicited Commercial Communication, </em>where XXXXXXXXXX is the phone number or the header of the unsolicited call/text.</li><li>If such a complaint is registered with your service provider, it is the provider’s duty to take action and inform you within 7 days of lodging the complaint. You can check the status of the complaint at the <a href="http://www.nccptrai.gov.in/nccpregistry/UccSearch.misc" target="_blank">UCC Complaint Registration Status</a> link.</li></ol>Also, all such commercial calls from telemarketers have to be performed between 9 am and 9 pm. The original document with the guidelines laid out by TRAI is available at the source link below.<br /><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.nccptrai.gov.in/nccpregistry/" target="_blank">TRAI NCCP</a></div>http://www.theindiangeek.com/2012/04/how-to-block-unsolicited-telemarketing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Daniel Divyakumar H.)0